University of Georgia Athletics
T&F Garners Three SEC Outdoor Honors
June 09, 2025 | Track & Field
ATHENS, Ga. --- A trio of Bulldogs earned end of the year Southeastern Conference outdoor track and field honors, according to a league announcement Monday.
First-year jumper Jayden Keys was named the SEC Men's Freshman Field Athlete of the Year; first-year hurdler Michelle Smith was named the SEC Women's Freshman Runner of the Year; and Director of Track & Field Caryl Smith Gilbert was named the SEC Women's Coach of the Year.
In addition, distance runner Conner Rutherford and middle-distance runner Kieley Gayle were named to their respective SEC Community Service Teams thanks to their dedication to volunteering and giving time to those less fortunate.
Keys is the fourth Bulldog to earn his honor and the second consecutive after teammate and training partner Micah Larry garnered the 2024 accolade. Smith is the first Georgia woman to collect her honor since Kaila Jackson accomplished the feat in 2023 and only the second overall. Smith Gilbert gives the Bulldogs' three Coach of the Year honorees (John Mitchell, 1995; Wayne Norton, 2006).
Keys, a native of Houston, Texas, saved his personal best attempt in the long jump for his sixth and final try (7.95 meters/26 feet, 1 inch) to clinch the SEC title. His winning mark ranks seventh nationally and sixth in school history.
Smith, a native of Frederiksted, St. Croix, flew to a 55.34 for a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the SEC Championships. She also ran a leg on the silver medal 4x400m relay team at SECs. Smith won a pair of regular season meets in the 400mH including running a 54.56, which ranks fourth nationally.
Smith Gilbert guided the Georgia women to their first SEC team title since 2006 and only their third outdoor championship in school history. Her squad left the conference's competition behind as they now prepare for Nationals coming in as the country's top-ranked squad.
What's Next For The Bulldogs?: The NCAA Outdoor Championships start on Wednesday and run through Saturday at Oregon's facility.
Where To Find Bulldog News: Results and recaps from all Georgia meets will be found at georgiadogs.com. News and updates from Georgia's track and field and cross country teams are always located on X/Instagram at @UGATrack.
First-year jumper Jayden Keys was named the SEC Men's Freshman Field Athlete of the Year; first-year hurdler Michelle Smith was named the SEC Women's Freshman Runner of the Year; and Director of Track & Field Caryl Smith Gilbert was named the SEC Women's Coach of the Year.
In addition, distance runner Conner Rutherford and middle-distance runner Kieley Gayle were named to their respective SEC Community Service Teams thanks to their dedication to volunteering and giving time to those less fortunate.
Keys is the fourth Bulldog to earn his honor and the second consecutive after teammate and training partner Micah Larry garnered the 2024 accolade. Smith is the first Georgia woman to collect her honor since Kaila Jackson accomplished the feat in 2023 and only the second overall. Smith Gilbert gives the Bulldogs' three Coach of the Year honorees (John Mitchell, 1995; Wayne Norton, 2006).
Keys, a native of Houston, Texas, saved his personal best attempt in the long jump for his sixth and final try (7.95 meters/26 feet, 1 inch) to clinch the SEC title. His winning mark ranks seventh nationally and sixth in school history.
Smith, a native of Frederiksted, St. Croix, flew to a 55.34 for a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the SEC Championships. She also ran a leg on the silver medal 4x400m relay team at SECs. Smith won a pair of regular season meets in the 400mH including running a 54.56, which ranks fourth nationally.
Smith Gilbert guided the Georgia women to their first SEC team title since 2006 and only their third outdoor championship in school history. Her squad left the conference's competition behind as they now prepare for Nationals coming in as the country's top-ranked squad.
What's Next For The Bulldogs?: The NCAA Outdoor Championships start on Wednesday and run through Saturday at Oregon's facility.
Where To Find Bulldog News: Results and recaps from all Georgia meets will be found at georgiadogs.com. News and updates from Georgia's track and field and cross country teams are always located on X/Instagram at @UGATrack.
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