**History In the Making: Olivia Dowd and Spirit Morgan Lead HBCU Women’s Track and Field to NCAA Stage**
Olivia Dowd and Spirit Morgan Make History, Earning NCAA Spots in Triple Jump and High Jump as HBCU Women’s Track Soars to New Heights
Eugene, Oregon—June 11, 2025
In Eugene, Oregon, the roar of the crowd at Hayward Field will have a new HBCU accent this year. Juniors Olivia Dowd and Spirit Morgan are set to step onto the national stage at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, competing in the women’s triple jump and high jump, respectively. Their qualification marks a pivotal moment for HBCU women’s track and field, propelling the narrative of Black college athletics forward on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
For years, HBCU track and field programs have produced elite talent, with names like Wilma Rudolph and Florence Griffith Joyner becoming synonymous with speed and grace. But in recent decades, the national spotlight has often overlooked HBCU competitors in favor of larger, Power Five institutions. The achievements of Dowd and Morgan challenge that oversight, bringing fresh attention to the depth of talent within HBCUs. Their journey to Eugene is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the resilience and excellence of HBCU athletics as a whole.
Olivia Dowd, now a household name within the MEAC, has shattered expectations and records throughout her collegiate career. With a series of remarkable performances at the East Regional, Dowd booked her spot at nationals, becoming the first female triple jumper from her school to reach this level in recent memory. Her qualification is a breakthrough, not only for her program but for the conference. At the regional meet, Dowd leapt 13.15 meters, a personal best that positioned her among the nation’s top performers. “To represent my school and all the HBCUs here is an honor,” Dowd said. “I train every day to make my family and community proud, and now I get to do it on the biggest stage.”
Spirit Morgan, competing in the high jump, has a story of persistence and determination. After narrowly missing the cut last season, Morgan returned stronger, clearing 1.80 meters at the regional meet—another personal best. Her accomplishment is a source of pride for her teammates and coaches, who have watched her grow into a leader on and off the track. “It’s about more than just jumping high for me,” Morgan explained. “It’s about showing what we’re capable of as HBCU athletes. We belong here, and we’re ready to compete.”
The success of Dowd and Morgan is just one chapter in a growing story of HBCU achievement in track and field. This season, Lincoln University’s women’s 4×400 relay team won the NCAA Division II national championship, cementing their status as one of the most dominant relay squads in the country. Their victory, along with strong showings from other HBCU athletes at the NAIA and Division II levels, underscores the depth and competitiveness of Black college track and field across all divisions. At the collegiate level, HBCU athletes are consistently proving they can compete with—and outshine—their peers from much larger institutions.
Historically, HBCU track and field has been a wellspring of talent, producing Olympians and record holders. The tradition is deeply intertwined with the broader cultural fabric of HBCUs, where homecoming games and band performances are just as celebrated as the competition itself. For alumni and current students, events like the MEAC and SWAC championships are more than just meets—they are community gatherings, steeped in tradition and pride. The success of athletes like Dowd and Morgan reignites excitement for these events, drawing attention back to the unique culture that sets HBCU athletics apart.
In today’s college sports landscape, HBCU programs face both challenges and opportunities. The rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and the transfer portal has shifted the dynamics of recruitment and retention. While some HBCUs struggle to compete with the financial incentives offered by major programs, others are finding innovative ways to leverage their traditions and tight-knit communities to attract top talent. “Our family atmosphere is our biggest strength,” said one HBCU coach, who requested anonymity to speak freely about the current climate. “When athletes come here, they get a sense of belonging and support you don’t always find at bigger schools.”
Looking ahead, the performances of Dowd and Morgan at the NCAA Championships could open new doors for HBCU track and field. Their presence in Eugene will be closely watched by scouts, college recruiters, and young athletes considering HBCU programs. For current HBCU track and field stars, their success is a source of inspiration and a call to action—proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. “We’re setting the standard for the next generation,” Dowd said. “I hope to see more HBCU athletes here in the years to come.”
As the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships unfold, all eyes will be on Hayward Field. For Olivia Dowd and Spirit Morgan, this is just the beginning. Their achievements are already inspiring conversations about the future of HBCU athletics and the role these institutions play in shaping American sports. For HBCU alumni, students, and fans, it’s a reminder of the enduring legacy and bright future of Black college track and field.
Following the NCAA Championships, HBCU track and field teams will shift their focus to summer training and early season meets. Many athletes will use this period to prepare for the next chapter of their careers—whether that’s competing at the U.S. Championships, chasing Olympic dreams, or simply returning to campus ready to lead their teams to new heights. As the spotlight on HBCU track and field continues to grow, so too does the opportunity to redefine the narrative around Black college sports.
With every jump and every race, HBCU athletes are writing a new story—one that honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to a brighter, more inclusive future.
By covering these events, this organization continues its mission to elevate the stories of HBCU sports, connecting the athletic competition to the rich traditions and cultural significance that make Historically Black Colleges and Universities unique. The journey of Olivia Dowd and Spirit Morgan is a reminder that HBCU greatness is not confined to history—it is happening now, on the track and beyond.