Jamaican Olympian and respected track and field coach Inez Turner has been inducted into the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Hall of Fame. The recognition highlights her outstanding career as both an athlete and coach, celebrating her contributions to collegiate sports and her lasting impact on student-athletes.
A Career of Excellence
Turner, who has led Fayetteville State University’s (FSU) track and field and cross-country teams since 2017, has transformed the program into a dominant force in the CIAA. Under her leadership:
- The women’s cross-country team has won six consecutive CIAA championships.
- The men’s team secured back-to-back titles in recent seasons.
- FSU’s track and field teams have consistently excelled, winning multiple CIAA indoor and outdoor championships.
Before joining FSU, Turner spent eight years at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), where she guided the Rams to nine conference championships and earned multiple CIAA Coach of the Year awards.
An Olympian and Record-Breaking Athlete
As an athlete, Turner represented Jamaica at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, competing in the 800m and the 4x400m relay, where Jamaica placed fourth. She also won:
- Gold in the 800m at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
- Bronze in the 4x400m relay at the 1997 World Championships.
- Seven CARIFTA Games gold medals from 1988-1991.
She became the first English-speaking Caribbean athlete to break the two-minute barrier in the 800m, setting the stage for her successful collegiate career in the U.S.
A Lasting Legacy
Turner’s impact extends beyond competition. In 2012, she founded the Inez Turner Foundation, which provides support for underprivileged students at Vere Technical High School, her alma mater. She continues to mentor student-athletes, inspiring them to pursue excellence in both sports and academics.
Turner expressed gratitude for her induction, saying, “This honor holds a special place in my heart. It’s a testament to hard work, faith, and the support of my family, friends, and the athletes I’ve coached over the years.”
Her induction into the CIAA Hall of Fame cements her status as one of the most influential figures in collegiate track and field.
Photo – Fayetteville State University’s (FSU)
