All Posts

When people think about successful college athletic programs, they often think about the biggest names, the largest budgets, the longest histories, and the programs that have been in the national spotlight for decades. But one thing I have learned throughout my coaching journey is this: Big results are not reserved for the biggest names. There are programs across the country that may not always get the same attention, but they are building something special. They are developi

Recruiting is not just about collecting talent. It is about building a team. It is about finding young men and women who are willing to grow, willing to be challenged, willing to be coached, and willing to be part of something bigger than themselves. As coaches, we all want fast times, big marks, championship points, and NCAA-level talent. That will always matter. But over the years, I have learned that talent alone is not enough. Talent may open the door, but character, disc

Learn what college track and field coaches really look for in recruits beyond times and marks—from character to academics and coachability.

By Shareese Woods Hicks Championships are often measured in trophies, banners, and podium finishes. While those moments deserve celebration, they only tell part of the story. The true foundation of a championship program is built long before the final race, the conference title, or the NCAA appearance. It is built daily through intentional leadership, unwavering standards, and a commitment to developing young people into the best versions of themselves. As a Division I head c

UTRGV Athletics hired Shareese Hicks as the Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach on July 20, 2021, after she spent two successful seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Memphis. Since arriving in the Rio Grande Valley, Hicks has transformed the Vaqueros into one of the premier programs in the Southland Conference, establishing a culture centered on championship performance, academic excellence, community engagement, and student-athlete development. Under H