Michelle Smith receives an award at the University of Georgia’s athletics ceremony following her record-setting freshman season.
Michelle Smith, a freshman at the University of Georgia and a rising track and field athlete from the U.S. Virgin Islands, has earned two major honors following a standout collegiate debut. According to information provided about her 2025 season, Smith was named Freshman of the Year and received the award for Most Inspirational Performance, achievements that cap a year marked by record-setting runs and decisive contributions to her team’s success.
Smith, who is from Frederiksted, St. Croix, drew national attention throughout the season with her performances in the 400-meter hurdles. At the Florida Relays, she ran 54.56 seconds, setting a new Georgia school record, establishing a Virgin Islands national record, and placing herself among the fastest Under-20 athletes globally. Her consistency led to her selection as the Southeastern Conference Freshman Runner of the Year, making her the first athlete from the Virgin Islands to receive that distinction.
Her Most Inspirational Performance award stemmed from her showing at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Despite competing as a freshman, Smith finished third in the 400-meter hurdles and ran a key leg on Georgia’s 4x400-meter relay team, helping secure the Bulldogs’ first women’s national outdoor title. Coaches and teammates praised her composure and competitive resilience.
Her accomplishments have extended beyond collegiate competition. Smith represented the Virgin Islands at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and has earned medals at the CARIFTA Games, World University Games, and Junior Pan American Games. The provided information describes her progression from Caribbean youth meets to NCAA competition as evidence of her emerging influence within Virgin Islands athletics.
Smith also serves as the Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador. The source material notes that she continues to motivate young athletes across the region, describing her path as “one of talent, determination, and breaking barriers,” and presenting her achievements as an example of what can be accomplished through opportunity and sustained effort.
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