NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Eleven-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix visited Tennessee State University Oct. 28, connecting with student-athletes, reflecting on the university’s legendary track and field tradition, and offering guidance on navigating modern athletic careers.
Felix visited TSU as part of her “She Runs the World” Tour. The event featured a screening of her documentary of the same name in the Forum on the main campus, followed by a Q&A session and a fireside chat, “Passing the Baton,” moderated by Alexis Clark, TSU’s communications manager.
The Forum was packed with TSU student-athletes, coaches, administrators, community members, and track athletes from neighboring institutions, including Middle Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Vanderbilt University, and Austin Peay State University.
The campus visit provided a bridge between generations of track greatness, bringing Felix together with TSU head track and field coach Chandra Cheeseborough, herself a former Olympic gold medalist who ran under legendary coach Ed Temple as part of the storied TSU Tigerbelles program.
“It’s an honor to be here, especially as a track and field athlete, and to stand alongside Coach Cheese, who helped pave the way for generations of athletes,” Felix said during the fireside chat. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to better understand the sacrifices and challenges she faced to create opportunities for us. I’m grateful for her legacy and hope we can continue paying it forward.”
Addressing student-athletes directly, Felix spoke about identity, mental health, and the changing landscape of college athletics under Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules.
“With NIL, student-athletes have incredible opportunities to earn money, but it’s important not to lose sight of who you are in the process. Your worth isn’t defined by endorsement deals, followers, or social media,” Felix said. “The key is finding balance, taking advantage of the opportunities while staying grounded in your purpose and remembering why you do what you do.”
Felix urged athletes to develop passions beyond sports to build resilience during setbacks. “Your sport is important, but it’s not who you are,” she said.
Cheeseborough reflected on her own journey and the lifelong doors opened by athletics.
“Success in athletics requires sacrifice, not just from you, but from your family, your community, and everyone who supports you along the way,” Cheeseborough said. “Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, I actually received more basketball offers than track offers, but I chose track and came to Tennessee State to run for Coach Temple. Track has been a major part of my life, opening doors for me that might otherwise have remained closed.”
For TSU student-athletes, hearing from two world-class sprinters left a lasting impact.
“As a female athlete who competes in the 400 meters, seeing Allyson Felix, someone who has excelled in the same event and returned to competition after having children, is inspiring,” said Ayana Dennis, a TSU student-athlete majoring in agricultural biotechnology on the pre-med track. “It shows us that the sky is the limit and that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.”
Kirsten McClain, a freshman political science pre-law major and 200- and 400-meter runner, echoed the sentiment. “Seeing a Black woman who competes in my event become an Olympic medalist is incredibly inspiring,” McClain said. “Having a coach who also competed in the 400 meters gives me even more motivation. They’re both role models who inspire me to keep pushing toward my goals.”
The visit was organized by TSU’s Office of Conferences and Strategic Events, headed by Dr. Shaelan Williams, with administrative support from Interim Athletics Director Jennifer Bell, and Chief Financial Officer April Robinson, who welcomed Felix on behalf of TSU President Dwayne Tucker.
“Strong financial stewardship creates a platform for progress, but it’s our people, their vision, grit, and leadership, who drive it forward,” Robinson said. “Welcoming world champion Allyson Felix alongside our own TSU legend… reminds us of what happens when opportunity meets dedication.”
Bell highlighted the broader mission of the day: “Today is about more than sports. It’s about leadership, confidence, community, and creating opportunities for the next generation to lead, compete, and thrive.”
Featured Photo: TSU student-athletes, coaches, community members, and track athletes from neighboring institutions, including MTSU, Fisk, Vanderbilt, and Austin Peay pack the Forum for the screening of “She Runs the World.” (Photo by PR & Communications)
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
