O'Kelley Tapped to Lead FVSU Cross Country and Track & Field Program

                               By: FVSU Office of Sports Information

FORT VALLEY, GA (December 2, 2009) – Ellakisha O'Kelley has been named Fort Valley State University (FVSU) new Men and Women's Cross County and Track & Field Head Coach.  While this is O'Kelley's first head coaching assignment, she brings over 18 years of world-class track & field direct competition and philosophy to the FVSU Program.

O'kelley was a top-ranked track & field competitor from 2000-2009.  During that time, as a sprinter/hurdler, she was the U.S. alternate in the 100 meter hurdles for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.  In addition, she maintained world and U.S. rankings for five consecutive years.

In 2008 she was an Olympic trials semi-finalist after returning to competition after a four-year hiatus.  During her time away from the sport, she earned a MBA Degree from American Intercontinental University in Dunwoody, Georgia.

Prior to earning her masters, O'Kelley attended the University Of Albany (NY) where she was a walk-on member of the track & field team.  She quickly earned a scholarship after breaking all of the school's sprint/hurdle records and claiming several conference crowns, including Eastern College Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player in 1997.

In 1998, O'Kelley transferred to the University of South Carolina.  While there, she was SEC champion in the 100 meter hurdles, 400 meter hurdles and the 4x4 100 meter relay.  She was NCAA Champion in the 4x4 100 meter relay and an NCAA finalist in the 100 meter hurdles.  She is the current record holder for the 100 meter hurdles at the University of South Carolina and was named Female Student Athlete of the Year in 2000.  O'Kelley received her bachelor's degree in criminology from the University of South Carolina in 2000.

She is a Level 1 Coach certified through the United States of America Track & Field Association.

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