5 Reasons High Point Track & Field Is The Most Dominant Program In The Big South (Latest 2025 Updates)
The High Point University (HPU) Track and Field program has cemented its status as a perennial powerhouse, continuing its unprecedented run of dominance into the 2025 season. As of late 2025, the Panthers are riding a wave of Big South Conference championships, fueled by elite coaching and a roster stacked with international talent, making them one of the most exciting NCAA programs to watch. This article breaks down the key factors, star athletes, and recent achievements that define the HPU dynasty right now.
The program’s success is not just confined to the Big South; the Panthers are consistently sending athletes to the highest levels of international competition, including the 2025 Track and Field World Championships. With the 2025-26 indoor and outdoor schedules announced, the team is poised to continue its record-breaking ways, proving that High Point is a hub for world-class track and field excellence.
The 2025-2026 High Point Track and Field Powerhouse: Key Athletes and Coaching Staff
High Point’s sustained success is built on a foundation of exceptional recruiting and long-term coaching stability. The program boasts a deep roster of athletes who have achieved Big South titles, set school records, and competed on the global stage. Here is a look at the key entities driving the Panthers’ dominance in the 2025-2026 season:
Coaching Leadership: Mike Esposito’s Dynasty
- Mike Esposito (Director of Track & Field/Head Coach): Esposito has been the architect of the HPU program’s rise since 2005, leading both the men's and women's teams to numerous conference titles. His leadership was recently recognized when he was voted the Big South Women's Outdoor Coach of the Year in 2024.
Star Athletes and World-Class Performers (2024-2026)
The Panthers' roster features numerous Big South champions and NCAA-level competitors. Three athletes, in particular, represented the program on the global stage at the 2025 Track and Field World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, a first in program history.
- Chris Van Niekerk (Throws): A Second-Team All-America honoree in the Shot Put, Van Niekerk is a dominant force in throwing events, including the Shot Put (18.82m performance) and Discus. He was one of the three HPU athletes who competed at the 2025 World Championships.
- Brianna Malone (Distance/Mid-Distance): Voted the 2024-25 Big South Track & Field Athlete of the Year (Women’s), Malone is a cornerstone of the women's distance program.
- Camerin Williams (Sprints/Jumps): Voted the 2024-25 Big South Track & Field Athlete of the Year (Men’s), Williams represents the future of the HPU sprint and jump groups.
- Shaun Thomas (High Jump): A consistent event winner, Thomas was a gold medalist in the high jump at the 2024 Big South Outdoor Championships.
- Deron Dudley & Ala'juwan Robinson (Sprints): Key contributors to the sprint squad, with Dudley holding a top-ten program record in the 200m (20.62).
- Katia Gunter, Gabrielle Crane, and Angie Davis: Other key contributors listed on the 2025-26 rosters, demonstrating the program’s depth across all event groups.
Unprecedented Conference Dominance: The 2025 Championship Sweep
The High Point Panthers have established an iron grip on the Big South Conference, consistently sweeping both the men’s and women’s titles across indoor and outdoor seasons. This level of sustained excellence is rare in collegiate athletics and speaks volumes about the program’s quality and depth.
Men’s Team: Five-Straight Titles and Counting
The men’s track and field team extended their historic run by capturing their fifth-straight Big South Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championship in 2025. This monumental achievement was secured with 174 team points and eight gold medals, showcasing dominance across multiple event areas. The team also successfully defended its title by winning the 2025 Big South Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championship, finishing with a commanding 238 points.
Women’s Team: Preseason Favorites
The women's program is equally formidable. While they won the 2024 Big South Outdoor title, they were also voted the overwhelming favorite in the annual 2025-26 Big South Preseason Women's Indoor Track & Field poll, signaling their intent to maintain conference supremacy.
The 2024 season saw a complete sweep of the outdoor titles, with both the men’s and women’s teams being crowned Big South Champions, further solidifying the program’s status as the conference’s top contender.
The Facilities and Records Driving HPU’s Success
A major component of High Point’s recruiting and performance edge is its state-of-the-art facilities and a tradition of setting high standards in school records. Topical authority in track and field is often tied to the quality of the training environment and the history of performances.
The Vert Stadium Advantage
The High Point Track and Field program calls Vert Stadium home. This premier facility is a massive asset for the Panthers, providing a world-class venue for training and hosting major collegiate meets, such as the annual Bob Davidson Team Challenge. The quality of the facility is a significant factor in attracting top track and field talent from around the world to High Point, NC.
Program Records: Setting the Standard
The Panthers' history is littered with record-breaking performances, showcasing depth across sprints, distance, and field events. These records serve as a motivational benchmark for current and future athletes, driving continuous improvement in the program:
- Sprints: Paul Gore holds the Indoor 200-meters record (21.70), while James House is the Indoor 60-meters record holder (6.82).
- Distance: Jemissa Hess is a legend in the distance events, holding both the 1500-meters (4:20.79) and 3000-meters (9:32.75) records. Keaton Case holds the women's 800-meters record (2:07.82).
- Field Events: Chris Van Niekerk’s All-America performance in the Shot Put is a highlight of the program’s recent field event success.
The Path Forward: 2025-26 Season and Beyond
With the 2025-26 indoor and outdoor schedules already announced, the High Point Track and Field program is focused on its next set of goals. The season begins with back-to-back weekends in Blacksburg, Virginia, for the Virginia Tech Invitational and the Hokie Invite in January. These early meets are crucial for setting the tone for the season and qualifying athletes for national competition.
The continued success of the Panthers will rely on the development of new stars like Issac McGinnis and Tynelius Morrow, alongside the sustained excellence of veterans like Malone and Williams. The program’s ability to consistently perform at the NCAA Division I level, while dominating the Big South Conference, confirms High Point University’s place as a premier destination for track and field athletes in the United States. The HPU Athletics department is clearly invested in maintaining this trajectory of high performance and championship pedigree.
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