Women’s Track & Field Claims 2025 HBCU & Ivy Challenge Title

Freshman standout sets new program benchmark

Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information

Women's Track & Field | 12/6/2025 9:52:00 PM

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & BOSTON (December 6, 2025) – Howard University women's track & field squad claimed the 2025 HBCU & Ivy Challenge title Friday (Dec. 5) in Cambridge, Mass. The meet was hosted by Harvard University.
 
Saturday (Dec. 6), HU stayed in the area and competed in the Harvard Classic, hosted by the Crimson, and the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener, hosted by Boston University in Beantown (Boston).
 
HBCU & IVY CHALLENGE
 
On the track, seniors Lauren Thompson (Frisco, Texas) and Zoe Turner (Mableton, Ga.), sophomore Mackenzie Robinson (Ypsilanti, Mich.) and newcomer Carrie VanNoy (Oak Park, Mich.) represented Bison Nation in the 4x400 relay, winning the race with a 3:54.30 time.
 
Individually, junior Yahnari Lyons (Hampton, Ga.), graduate Marcia Sey (London, United Kingdom) and third-year Bison Aiyana Gray-Williams (Winston-Salem, N.C.) finished first (7.46), second (7.51) and third (7.56), respectively, in the 60-meter dash.
 
Lyons and senior Aniya Woodruff (Harrisburn, N.C.) took gold (24.11) and silver (24.65) in the 200-meter dash.
 
Freshman Kimbriel Winfield (Memphis, Tenn.) earned second place in the 60-meter hurdles, clocking in at 8.54.
 
In the field, senior Ija Mumford (Winston-Salem, N.C.) and rookie Mmekom Inyang (Richmond Hill, Ga.) grabbed first (5.82 meters) and third (5.36 meters), respectively, in the long jump.
 
Senior Temi Banwo (Allen, Texas) claimed bronze in the weight throw after tossing 16.92 meters (55'5").
 
HARVARD CLASSIC
 
Sey and Gray-Williams finished first (7.44) and third (7.56), respectively, in the 60-meter dash.
 
Sophomores Lindsay Johnson (Detroit) and Cenaiya Billups (Denver) claimed gold (39.18) and silver (39.21) in the 300-meter dash.
 
 Thompson took home bronze in the 60-meter hurdles after recording an 8.60 mark.
 
In the field, Mumford placed second overall in the triple jump after leaping 11.70 meters (38'4").
 
Banwo grabbed a pair of silver medals in the shot put (13.88 meters) and weight throw (16.88 meters).
 
BU SHARON COLYEAR-DANVILLE SEASON OPENER
 
Freshman standout Alexis Jones (New Windsor, N.Y.) set a new program record in the mile run, producing a 4:55.80 time. The New York native placed 15th overall in the race.
 
Senior Sarah Seam (Gaithersburg, Md.) registered a 2:24.81 mark in the 800-meter run, earning 15th place.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
On Dec. 13, HU returns to the Northeast for the Seahawk Shootout, hosted by Wagner College.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.