Garrett Named Southeast Region Women’s Track Athlete of the Year

COLUMBIA, S.C. (June 18, 2026) – South Carolina’s junior hurdler and reigning 400-meter hurdle NCAA Champion, Akala Garrett, has been named the USTFCCCA Southeast Region Women’s Track Athlete of the Year for the 2026 outdoor season.

Garrett captured the 400mH crown this past weekend at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. after running a time of 53.32 for a new program record. Garrett’s mark of 53.32 provided the Gamecocks with the first 400mH title since LaShinda Demus in 2002 and landed her on the First Team All-American squad.

The North Carolina native was a dominant force in the 400mH all season long, winning all six finals that she competed in, including the SEC Outdoor Championship where she ran 54.02. Garrett earned First Team All-SEC honors for the second consecutive season following her SEC title. Garrett also helped the Gamecocks finish fourth at the SEC Outdoor Championship in the 4x400m relay, crossing the line in 3:25.09 for the fourth fastest time in school history. She was also part of the fastest 4x400m relay squad in program history, winning the Tom Jones Memorial with a mark of 3:23.42.

This is the third consecutive outdoor season that the Gamecocks have taken home Southeast Region Women’s Track Athlete of the Year. Garrett’s accolade also marks the fifth time during the Tim Hall era that a South Carolina student-athlete has won a regional track athlete of the year honor, joining JaMeesia Ford who has won three times and former Gamecock Josiah Wrice who received the honor during the 2026 indoor season.