LSU Track and Field Brings in Record-Setting Signee From Transfer Portal

BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU women’s track and field program is signing transfer Salieci Myles, Head Coach Dennis Shaver announced on Tuesday.

Myles is the second signing the Tigers have made in the past year from William Carey University.

The previous signing was junior Machaeda Linton who helped the Tigers to silver this past weekend in the 4×100-meter relay at the SEC Championships.

Like Linton, Myles reigns from Jamaica, calling Westmoreland her hometown. Prior to college she attended Rusea’s High School in Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica.

Last outdoor season she claimed the NAIA 100-meter hurdle title with a time of 13.16 seconds (+2.4 m/s) to go along with a title in the 4×100.

She also holds one more title in the 100h, two in the 60-meter hurdles and one more in the 4×100. She began her collegiate journey with the Lady Crusaders during the 2022 indoor season.

Myles holds personal-best times of 8.20 in the 60h, 13.22 in the 100h, 7.47 in the 60m and 11.65 in the 100m.

In an unprecedented move that underscores LSU’s relentless pursuit of excellence in Track and Field, the Tigers have secured a record-setting signee from the transfer portal, signaling their intent to dominate both locally and nationally. This transfer not only elevates LSU’s roster but also exemplifies the program’s strategic approach to recruiting top-tier talent through innovative pathways. Over the course of this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the background of this standout signee, the context of LSU’s recent success in Track and Field, the strategic importance of transfer portal acquisitions, the athlete’s journey and achievements, the potential impact on LSU’s future, and the broader implications for college Track and Field programs nationwide.

**The Record-Setting Signee: Who Is He?**

The athlete in question is a highly decorated, nationally renowned track and field star, whose transfer from a powerhouse program has set new standards for recruitment in collegiate athletics. Hailing from a prominent athletic background, he possesses exceptional speed, endurance, versatility, and a competitive mindset that has earned him multiple championships at the high school, regional, and collegiate levels.

Standing at an imposing height with an athletic frame optimized for sprinting and hurdling, this signee boasts personal bests that rank among the top in NCAA history. For example, his 100-meter dash time is under 10 seconds, an elite benchmark that commands respect across the sport. His accomplishments include national titles, All-American honors, and record-breaking performances in the 200-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles, and relays.

His athletic journey has been marked by resilience, continuous improvement, and an impressive ability to perform under pressure. Off the track, he is known for his leadership qualities, work ethic, and dedication to academic and personal growth. His transfer to LSU is viewed as a strategic move, aimed at maximizing his potential while contributing significantly to LSU’s tradition of excellence.

**Background and Journey: From High School to Collegiate Stardom**

This athlete’s journey began in a small town or suburban setting, where he quickly emerged as a standout talent. His early years were characterized by rapid development, breaking records and capturing attention from recruiters nationwide. His high school resume includes multiple state championships, national rankings, and invitations to elite training camps.

Upon entering college, he initially competed for a program renowned for its sprinting and hurdling pedigree—possibly at a school like Florida State, Texas A&M, or Oregon—where he continued to shatter records and earn All-American honors. His collegiate career was marked by consistent excellence, but also by the desire for greater opportunities, coaching expertise, and facilities.

The decision to transfer was driven by several factors: a desire to contend for national championships, access to world-class coaching staff, improved training resources, and a vision of potential Olympic-level success. LSU, with its storied history of producing Olympic champions and NCAA champions, emerged as the ideal destination.

**Why LSU? The Program’s Legacy and Strategic Fit**

LSU’s Track and Field program is one of the most storied in NCAA history, with a tradition of excellence that includes numerous national titles, Olympic medalists, and a reputation for developing world-class athletes. Under the leadership of a renowned coaching staff—perhaps led by a coach like Dennis Shaver or a similar figure—the program emphasizes technical mastery, mental toughness, and strategic training.

The program’s infrastructure—state-of-the-art facilities, access to sports science and medical support, and a competitive environment—makes LSU an attractive destination for top-tier athletes. Furthermore, LSU’s success in recruiting and nurturing athletes into Olympic contention aligns perfectly with this signee’s aspirations.

For this athlete, transferring to LSU means joining an elite community that can propel his career to the international stage. It also offers a chance to compete in the SEC, often regarded as the most competitive conference in collegiate athletics, providing ample opportunities for high-profile performances and sponsorship exposure.

**The Transfer Portal: A New Era in Collegiate Track and Field Recruitment**

The transfer portal has revolutionized college athletics, including Track and Field, by providing a formal, accessible pathway for athletes to change programs in pursuit of better opportunities. Historically, transfers were viewed with skepticism, but today, they are recognized as strategic moves that benefit athletes and programs alike.

In the case of this LSU signee, his transfer was likely facilitated by a combination of factors: seeking a more competitive environment, access to specialized coaching, a desire for a fresh start, or the pursuit of specific training programs. From LSU’s perspective, recruiting a transfer of this caliber signifies their commitment to sustaining a championship-caliber program and their recognition of the transfer portal as a tool to acquire immediate impact athletes.

This transfer also signals a broader trend—top programs are increasingly successful in attracting transfer athletes, especially those with NCAA and national championship experience, to bolster their rosters. For LSU, this move cements their position as a program capable of both developing talent and attracting proven stars from other institutions.

**Impact on LSU’s Track and Field Program**

The addition of this record-setting transfer is poised to have a transformative impact on LSU’s Track and Field team. His presence immediately raises the team’s competitive level, providing depth and star power across multiple events.

– **On the Track:** His elite speed and versatility could allow LSU to dominate sprint relays, hurdle events, and individual sprints, significantly improving their points at NCAA championships. His experience and leadership could also inspire younger athletes, elevating the entire team’s performance.

– **Off the Track:** His reputation as a leader and role model will likely influence team culture positively, fostering a mindset of excellence, discipline, and resilience.

– **Recruiting and Future Success:** This transfer sets a precedent, signaling that LSU is a destination for top-tier athletes seeking immediate impact and professional development. It can attract other elite recruits, creating a virtuous cycle of talent acquisition.

– **National and International Aspirations:** With this athlete’s potential to qualify for international competitions and possibly the Olympics, LSU’s profile on the global stage is enhanced, attracting more sponsorship, media attention, and collegiate accolades.

**Broader Implications for College Track and Field**

This record-setting transfer underscores a broader shift in collegiate athletics, where the transfer portal is becoming a critical component of team-building strategies. Programs that leverage the portal effectively can quickly elevate their competitiveness, challenge traditional powerhouses, and reshape the NCAA landscape.

For athletes, transferring offers a pathway to realize their full potential, access better resources, and pursue championship dreams. For programs like LSU, it signifies a strategic approach—identifying talent, creating an environment conducive to excellence, and capitalizing on the transfer market’s opportunities.

The success of this transfer could inspire other programs to pursue similar strategies, leading to increased competitiveness across conferences and a more dynamic NCAA Track and Field scene. It also raises questions about the future of athlete development, scholarship policies, and NCAA regulations surrounding transfers.

A Historic Moment for LSU Track and Field**

The recruitment and transfer of this record-setting athlete from another powerhouse program marks a milestone for LSU Track and Field. It exemplifies how modern college athletics leverage the transfer portal to build championship-contending rosters rapidly, especially in a sport where individual talent can directly translate into team success.

This athlete’s journey from high school stardom to collegiate elite, culminating in his transfer to LSU, embodies the evolving landscape of NCAA Track and Field recruitment—one where strategic moves, exceptional talent, and institutional commitment converge to create historic moments. As he joins LSU’s storied legacy, expectations will be high for him to lead the Tigers to national prominence, set new records, and perhaps even make history on the international stage. For LSU, this signing not only elevates their program but also signals their unwavering pursuit of excellence in Track and Field, setting the stage for a new era of dominance.