In Alexis Jones’ first season competing at the collegiate level, she delivered a breakthrough performance in the women’s 6K, crossing the finish line with a time that teammates and coaches say established a new school record.
For the freshman at Howard University, who once considered herself “one of the slowest” runners on her high school team, the moment represented more than a fast race, she said. It marked the beginning of what many around Howard believe will be a defining legacy.
Jones’ journey into distance running has not been straightforward. She didn’t begin running competitively until her sophomore year of high school. Before then, she spent her athletic life in the water as a varsity swimmer, where she struggled to stand out.
“I was one of the slowest on my high school team,” Jones said, “but I had big dreams and worked hard to reach them.”
She said her transition into cross country revealed a competitive spark she didn’t know she had and by the time she approached high school graduation, she had carved out a path that led to Division I athletics.
When Jones arrived on Howard’s campus, she said she knew immediately she had found a home.
“On my visit, I met the girls on the team and I could tell that I was going to get along with them,” she recalls. “The friendliness made me feel so welcomed.”
Another major influence was her prospective coach, Dameon Morgan, Jones said.
“Coach Morgan had a history of developing athletes,” she said. “I knew he would be able to get me to the level I want to be at.”
The possibility of breaking the 6K record had come up only briefly in conversations with her coach and family, but Jones admits she wasn’t convinced it was realistic. A minute improvement in a sport where progress is measured in seconds felt almost impossible.
“I was skeptical of myself, but everyone around me believed in me,” Jones says.
On Oct. 3, that belief became reality. When she crossed the finish line and saw her new record, the moment felt surreal. Relief washed over her first, she said, followed by pride — pride in her progress, her effort and the long, sometimes uneven road that brought her here.
“Seeing the clock and realizing I’d done it — that was surreal,” Jones said.
For a young athlete still adjusting to college life, it marked a significant moment that reflected her preparation, approach and the support she received from those around her.
Her impact, however, has extended far beyond her team. The campus community has taken notice, particularly students who follow Howard athletics closely.
Chase Brantley, a senior supply chain management major, says Jones’ performance has brought new excitement to a sport that often doesn’t get the spotlight.
“You don’t always hear a lot about cross country on campus,” Brantley said, “but when someone breaks a record like that, especially a freshman, it gets everybody paying attention. It shows there’s real talent across all of Howard athletics.”
Brantley adds that Jones’ achievement has sparked conversations in classrooms, group chats and even among students who aren’t typical sports followers.
Freshman business major TJ Russell had a similar reaction when he heard about the new school record.
“It’s inspiring, honestly,” he said. “To come in as a freshman and make that kind of statement? That takes discipline. It motivates other students, athletes or not, to push themselves.”
Russell says Jones’ accomplishment reflects the energy of the freshman class, describing it as “hungry and ready to make a mark.”
Throughout Jones’ journey, her support system has played an essential role, she said. She credits her parents in particular for keeping her grounded and motivated.
“My parents have always encouraged me to do sports and to train hard,” Jones said. “They’re always supporting me, believing I could do things even when I doubt myself.”
Their belief became the foundation she leaned on during the transition to college competition, where expectations and pressure reached new heights.
Her teammates and coaches form the other part of her support system. Howard’s cross-country program emphasizes discipline, unity and development — principles that have guided Jones during the early stages of her career.
Even as a freshman, she said has felt valued and supported and she sees that environment as one of the keys to her growth. The culture built around her has given her confidence to dream bigger, race harder and push herself further.
Breaking the school record isn’t the end goal for Jones; it’s a starting point. For her, the achievement carries meaning beyond personal recognition.
“It means a lot,” Jones said. “I just hope I can continue the trend and keep working hard to achieve more things to help elevate the program.” That sentiment reflects the mindset of a leader in the making — someone whose impact will extend beyond her own time.
Jones approaches running with a long-term perspective, understanding that growth is a process. When asked what advice she would give to other young runners, she offers the same wisdom she applies to her own journey.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day. Progress isn’t linear. Every day of work stacks up, even when you aren’t seeing improvements,” she said.
As Jones progresses in her collegiate career, she is taking on a larger role within Howard’s distance program, contributing to the team’s development and future direction.
Copy edited by Damenica Ellis
