HBCU Spotlight: Howard Returns to the Women’s 4×100 Championship Final | Penn Relays 2025

History and speed collided at Franklin Field as Howard University became the first HBCU to punch their ticket back to the College Women’s 4×100 Championship of America Final, clocking an impressive 44.21 in Heat 4!

Led by Ai’yana Gray-Williams, Marcia Sey, Kailei Collins, and Tiffani Rae Pittman, the Lady Bison stood strong among a loaded field and proved they’re built for the big stage. Their performance not only qualified them for Saturday’s final (1:50 PM), but also reasserted their place among the elite in collegiate sprinting.

Other top teams qualifying:

• 🏁 Texas A&M – 44.05

• 💨 TCU – 44.12

• ⚡ Georgia Southern – 44.19

Coppin State also held it down with 45.203 — just outside the auto-qualifiers — but still in striking distance for a spot depending on overall fastest times.

🏆 The top nine teams (heat winners + 5 fastest overall) advance to the Championship of America Final. Let’s rally behind these HBCU queens!

Among other HBCUs:

• Coppin State posted a strong 45.21, placing 10th overall — just shy of auto-qualifying but firmly in contention for a fastest-time spot.

• Norfolk State clocked in at 45.31, showing depth and determination in Heat 1.