The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers have done it again—securing their second consecutive SWAC Outdoor Championship and proving that excellence is a tradition, not a one-time feat. With a commanding 145.5 points, the team outpaced Alabama State (132) and Southern (95.5) at Southern University's Roscoe Moore Track in Baton Rouge, capping off a two-day battle on May 12.
This victory marks the Lady Rattlers' second SWAC title of the 2026 season, following their indoor championship in February. It's a testament to the program's depth, speed, and relentless drive—qualities that resonate with any athlete who knows the value of showing up and showing out.
Senior sprinter Diandrenique Gaines stole the spotlight, sweeping the 100 and 200-meter dashes with performances that turned heads nationwide. Her 11.15-second finish in the 100 meters not only set a new SWAC Championship meet record but also ranks No. 1 among all HBCU runners and No. 20 in NCAA Division I. She followed that with a blistering 22.72-second 200-meter dash, another HBCU-best and the 15th-fastest time in the nation.
Gaines also anchored the 4x400-meter relay team alongside Kirah Copeland, Katelynn Smith, and Kiersten Clark, crossing the line in 3:36.72—a season-best that stands as the top time among Black Colleges and No. 53 in Division I. It's the kind of teamwork that makes any sports fan appreciate the power of a unified squad.
Katelynn Smith added to the haul with a victory in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking 57.95 seconds to claim the top HBCU mark and the 46th spot nationally. She also placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles with a solid 13.42-second run. Meanwhile, Ty'yanah Adams delivered a personal-best 13.07 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles, finishing second overall and ranking No. 22 in the country.
Freshman Janaree Kinchen made her presence felt, taking third in the 100 meters (11.38) and second in the 200 meters (23.51), while Kiersten Clark added valuable points with a runner-up finish in the 1,500 meters. Behind it all, head coach Garfield Ellenwood II earned SWAC Coach of the Year honors—a fitting recognition for a program that's clearly building something special.
For the Lady Rattlers, this back-to-back championship is more than just hardware. It's a statement: hard work, fast feet, and Rattler pride never go out of style.