Michelle Smith Propels Georgia to NCAA Runner-Up Finish With Record-Breaking Relay Performance

Michelle Smith handing off to Georgia teammate Haley Tate. (Photo courtesy VITFF)

Michelle Smith, a freshman at the University of Georgia and a rising track star from the Virgin Islands, delivered a standout performance at the 2025 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Smith ran a swift 52.08-second split in the 4×400-meter relay, helping Georgia set a new school record with a time of 3:26.07 and secure a second-place finish in the event.

The Bulldogs’ performance contributed eight critical points, ultimately positioning them as the overall team runner-up in the championship, according to the press release.

Smith follows in the footsteps of her mother, Mireille Sankatsing-Smith, who was the NCAA Division I runner-up in the 800 meters in 1991 and the national champion in 1992, the press release stated.

The NCAA championships concluded Smith’s first indoor season with the Bulldogs. She now turns her attention to the outdoor season, where she will also compete for the Virgin Islands at the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago from April 18 to 22, the release stated.

All Virgin Islands athletes are encouraged to register with the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation. Registration is available online at the federation’s website.