The University of Georgia women’s track and field team has etched its name into the record books, capturing their first-ever NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship. With a commanding performance at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, the Bulldogs racked up 73 points—outpacing their nearest rival by a remarkable 26-point margin and signaling a new era for Georgia athletics.
A Dominant Championship Performance
Georgia’s road to the title was paved with exceptional individual and team efforts. The Bulldogs not only clinched the team title but also led the meet in individual event victories, showcasing the program’s depth and determination.
Key Highlights from the Championship
Four Event Wins: Georgia athletes topped the podium in the 400-meter dash, high jump, hammer throw, and the 4×400-meter relay—the most of any school at the meet.
Standout Athletes:
Aaliyah Butler (Junior): Captured gold in the 400-meter dash and anchored the victorious 4×400-meter relay. Butler, already a 2024 US Olympic gold medalist, proved unstoppable on the track.
Elena Kulichenko (Senior): Soared to victory in the high jump, adding crucial points to Georgia’s tally.
Stephanie Ratcliffe (Graduate Student): Secured Georgia’s first hammer throw title since 2010, with a national-leading throw that electrified the crowd.
4×400-Meter Relay Team: Freshman Michelle Smith, sophomore Sydney Harris, and juniors Butler and Dejanea Oakley delivered a show-stopping finish, capping Georgia’s historic run with a relay win. Three of the four relay members also earned individual podium finishes.
Podium Power: Teammate Dejanea Oakley finished second in the 400-meter dash, while Michelle Smith claimed bronze in the 400-meter hurdles, underscoring Georgia’s dominance across multiple events.
The Coach Behind the Triumph
Head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, who previously led USC to NCAA titles, made history herself by becoming the first woman to coach two different schools to an outdoor track and field national championship. Her leadership, passion, and belief in her athletes were evident throughout the season and especially during the emotional trophy ceremony:
“I love these kids. They teach me more about me than I teach them about anything. They worked so hard, and they believed in themselves, and we did it.” — Caryl Smith Gilbert
How Georgia Pulled Away from the Competition
Georgia’s 73-point total was well clear of second-place USC (47 points) and third-place Texas A&M (43 points), thanks to:
- Consistency across sprints, jumps, throws, and relays
- Multiple athletes scoring in single events
- Strategic event entries and strong relay team chemistry
What This Win Means for Georgia Track and Field
This championship marks a transformative moment for Georgia’s women’s track and field program. Not only does it validate years of hard work and investment, but it also sets the stage for future success and inspires the next generation of Bulldogs.
The Impact in Numbers
- First-ever NCAA women’s outdoor track and field title for Georgia
- Largest margin of victory (26 points) in recent championship history
- Four individual event titles—more than any other school at the 2025 meet
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who were the standout athletes for Georgia at the 2025 NCAA Track and Field Championships?
Aaliyah Butler (400m dash and relay), Elena Kulichenko (high jump), Stephanie Ratcliffe (hammer throw), and the 4×400-meter relay team were the stars, each securing event wins and crucial points for Georgia.
2. How many points did Georgia score to win the championship?
Georgia scored 73 points, finishing 26 points ahead of second-place USC.
3. Who is Georgia’s head coach, and what is her significance?
Caryl Smith Gilbert is the head coach. She became the only woman to coach two different schools to an outdoor track and field national championship, having previously led USC to two titles.
4. What events did Georgia win at the 2025 NCAA Championships?
Georgia won the 400-meter dash, high jump, hammer throw, and 4×400-meter relay.
5. Why is this championship win historic for Georgia?
This is Georgia’s first-ever NCAA women’s outdoor track and field championship, marking a major milestone for the program and the university.
Conclusion
Georgia’s first NCAA women’s outdoor track and field championship is a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and belief. With standout performances across the board and inspired leadership from Coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, the Bulldogs have set a new standard—not just for their program, but for collegiate track and field nationwide. The 2025 championship will be remembered as the moment Georgia made history and inspired future generations to chase greatness.
