Alexis Brown: Baylor’s Trailblazing Long Jump Champion
Alexis Brown (born April 26, 2001, in Kennedale, Texas) is an American track and field athlete specializing in the long jump and sprints. A NCAA champion and program record-holder, she has overcome significant injuries to cement her legacy as one of Baylor University’s most decorated athletes.
Early Life and High School Career
Brown grew up in Kennedale, Texas, where she attended Kennedale High School. Her athletic talent emerged early, fueled by her Haitian heritage (her mother was born and raised in Haiti) and a competitive drive. By her senior year, she dominated Texas track:
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State Titles: Won back-to-back long jump championships (2018, 2019) and the 2019 100m title.
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National Recognition: Placed third in the 60m (7.38) at the 2018 New Balance Nationals Indoor.
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International Exposure: Represented Haiti at the 2018 CARIFTA Games, finishing fifth in the long jump (5.45m).
Collegiate Career: Overcoming Adversity
University of Florida (2019–2022)
Brown began her collegiate career at Florida but faced persistent injuries:
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Health Struggles: Stress fractures in her back and heel, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, limited her performances.
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Transfer Decision: Seeking a fresh start, she entered the transfer portal in 2022, recalling Baylor’s earlier recruitment efforts.
Baylor University (2022–2025)
At Baylor, Brown flourished under coaches Michael Ford and Stacey Smith:
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Surgery and Recovery: Underwent surgery to remove an extra bone in her foot, resolving chronic pain.
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Breakthrough Performances:
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2024 Season: Set Baylor’s outdoor long jump record (6.83m/22-5) and earned All-American honors.
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2025 NCAA Indoor Championships: Made history by winning the long jump title (6.90m/22-7.75), Baylor’s first national championship in the event. Her series included four jumps over 22 feet, showcasing unmatched consistency.
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2024 U.S. Olympic Trials: Placed fifth (6.70m), narrowly missing the Paris team but proving her elite status.
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Technical Mastery
Brown’s success stems from her explosive power and technical precision:
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Long Jump: A 12-step approach optimized for horizontal velocity, yielding a personal best of 6.90m (indoors).
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Sprints: Clocked 11.13 in the 100m and 23.28 in the 200m, using speed to enhance runway momentum.
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Training: Integrates plyometrics, sprint drills, and film analysis, emphasizing consistency and injury prevention.
Challenges and Resilience
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Injury Battles: Overcame multiple stress fractures and surgery, crediting faith and support from Baylor’s staff.
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Mental Fortitude: Journaling goals (e.g., “Jump 6.90m and win nationals”) kept her focused during recovery.
Academic and Personal Pursuits
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Education: Earned a degree in Health, Kinesiology, and Leisure Studies (2024) and enrolled in Baylor’s MBA program.
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Advocacy: Shares her journey on social media, inspiring young athletes to persevere through setbacks.
Legacy and Future
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Program Impact: Baylor’s first long jump national champion; elevated the team’s profile in the Big 12 and SEC.
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Olympic Aspirations: Targets the 2028 Los Angeles Games, aiming to surpass 7.00m (22-11.5).
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Post-Athletics Goals: Plans to blend her MBA with sports administration or coaching, fostering future talent.
Conclusion
Alexis Brown’s journey from injury-plagued transfer to NCAA champion epitomizes resilience. As she redefines Baylor’s record books, her story inspires athletes to embrace adversity as a path to greatness. Follow her quest for Olympic glory via World Athletics and Baylor Track & Field updates.
Go Alexis!
