Jady Emmanuel Signs On to Texas Longhorns

Jady Emmanuel, Saint Lucia’s young and dynamic emerging athlete, is embarking on her professional career with a groundbreaking signing to the University of Texas.

The sprint sensation from Laborie is set to make her mark at the University of Texas, joining Naomi London, who also followed in the footsteps of Saint Lucia’s national treasure, Julien Alfred, a former student at this prestigious institution.

Emmanuel confidently follows in the footsteps of multiple NCAA champion Julien Alfred and national junior record holder and former CARIFTA silver medallist Naomi London.

Alfred, now a volunteer assistant coach with UT, had an illustrious career in Austin, winning individual NCAA titles in the 60m, 100m, and 200m events, and making history by winning Saint Lucia’s first-ever medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and World Indoors.

At just 16 years old, Emmanuel becomes a standout addition to the Longhorns track and field program. She made history at the 2025 CARIFTA Games, becoming Saint Lucia’s first-ever double sprint champion by winning gold in both the Under-17 100m and 200m events.

Her arrival is a significant milestone for Saint Lucian athletics, indicating strong potential for future success on the international stage. As part of the Texas squad, Jady will train under elite coaching and compete at the highest collegiate level.

Hailing from the Morne Paul community in Laborie, Jady made history by winning unprecedented sprint gold at the regional junior championships, quickly followed by a second gold in the 200m. Her Under-17 winning times of 11.50 and 23.47 in Trinidad & Tobago last Easter are the fastest legal times ever recorded by a female youth (Under-18) athlete from Saint Lucia.

The news of her achievements has been warmly received at home and internationally, with the Saint Lucia Diaspora (SLUDIA) proudly stating: “Saint Lucia introduces sprint sensation Jady Emmanuel to the global Saint Lucian diaspora.”

Emmanuel has solidified her status as the first Saint Lucian to capture CARIFTA Games sprint titles, marking a landmark achievement for the island’s athletics program. Her outstanding performances on the regional stage have established her as one of the Caribbean’s most promising young sprinters.

Jady Emmanuel now joins a new generation of Saint Lucian athletes making waves internationally, following the path laid by national icon and Olympic champion Julien Alfred, alongside fellow sprinter Naomi London.

“As her journey unfolds, the nation and its diaspora will watch with pride as they celebrate a rising star who embodies the future of Saint Lucian sprinting,” SLUDIA emphasizes.