WASHINGTON - Jessica Wright cherishes each opportunity she gets to compete representing Howard University.
The senior standout has competed on track and field's biggest stage. While that's a thrill and an opportunity she doesn't take for granted, Wright's excitement comes from wearing the sacred name of Howard across her chest each time she steps onto the hallowed burgundy oval.
"So far, I am most proud of competing in the semifinals of the USA trials," Wright said. "To end my season on the biggest stage in the U.S., other than world championships, was an amazing feeling. This journey has been so special to me because I can see how far I've come and how God and my work ethic have placed me in the position I am in today. Representing an HBCU on a national level is another accomplishment."
Each step Wright takes on the track returns her to her days as a member of the Durham Striders, where she blossomed under North Carolina's searing sun and humidity as thick as peanut butter.
Of course, Wright had some extra motivation too, which never hurt.
"Every summer, the Durham Striders provided a safe place for kids to travel and run against everyone in the country," Wright said. "I realized my potential at track around the age of 13. My best memory was probably when my coach, who is deceased now by the name of Brenda Armstrong, told me she would buy me a USATF book bag if I won my events at youth nationals in Indiana. I still have that book bag to this day."
Hopefully, it was just one bag because Wright is still winning – consistently. Otherwise, Wright would have enough USATF bags to begin her own boutique.
A small black-and-blue colored USTAF bag wasn't the only thing Wright got from Armstrong. She also received some critical life lessons.
"I remember the core values she taught me," Wright said. "She was only about four feet tall, but she instilled in all her athletes the importance of hard work at a very early age. She took no slack and meant business on and off the track."
A yardstick of excellence and fountain of inspiration, Wright's splendid performances raise goosebumps whenever she's in the starting blocks.
Wright was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Runner of the Week this indoor season three times. Going into this year's Championships, Wright was the MEAC's reigning 400-meter hurdles champion in 2022. With a time of 52.70, she took home the gold yet again in the 400 meter dash. Wright was also part of Howard's back-to-back MEAC championship 4 x 400-meter relay team. The Bison went on to earn another championship title with a meet record of 235 points.
Jessica continued to make strides the following week at the IC4A/ECAC Indoor T&F Championships setting a new meet record in to 400 meter dash with a 52.16 finish. She also participated on the winning 4x400 relay team beating last year's meet record of 3:43.57 by nearly eight seconds. The feat helped make a huge statement for the Bison - winning the IC4A/ECAC Indoor T&F Championships in their first appearance at the event since 2016.
Wright has competed at the NCAA championships and regionals in each of the last two years and will make her last appearance this week.
A two-time All-American, Wright finished ninth overall in the 400-meter hurdles while taking sixth place as a member of the 4x400 relay team at the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
The seeds of her success were planted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the resourceful Wright transformed a negative into a positive.
Wright combined short sprint workouts and plenty of polymetrics while spending time in the weight room to improve. While in the weight room, Wright enhanced her weaknesses by incorporating a lot of single-leg strength during her training. She also focused on her sprinting technique.
"During the pandemic, I worked out every single day, and the next season I saw huge improvements," Wright said. "I've never looked back ever since. It took a lot of dedication and focus on training during the pandemic, but I'm grateful for the time I put in."
Aside from listening to Grammy-nominated gospel artist Ricky Dillard before meets, one of many reasons for her success is Wright's ability to lock in on running and her technique during meets. After all, the times take care of themselves.
Yet for as elite as her ability is, her humbleness makes her unique. She was one of Howard head coach David Oliver's first recruits. Together, they have helped lift the Howard program into one of the best in the MEAC.
"It means the world to me just to be able to watch this track program grow, excel and reach new heights," Wright said. "Every year since I've been here, I've watched Howard transform into one of the best programs in track and field. My teammates and I made history last year, and I'm very grateful to have been part of these foundational years.
"We've set the standard on a national level, and now the program expects nothing less year in and year out. Also, I have an amazing coaching staff here at Howard."
Wright also credits Oliver for setting a championship culture. While talented runners help a program, it also takes more than that to grow into a consistent contender.
"My role model in track would have to be David Oliver," Wright said. "He's the best coach on your team because he's truly dedicated to ensuring you have what you need to succeed. He's not just a coach but one of my biggest cheerleaders, and he wholeheartedly believes that I can be the best. The fact that he also went to Howard and was once in my shoes and accomplished so much in track and field is why he's my role model."
Majoring in health science, Wright's career goal is to become a physical therapist specializing in geriatrics. When she's not winning races or collecting bags, Wright loves to sleep, take walks, write in her journal, and try new places to eat. Of course, she finds time to watch her favorite shows, "Power" and "Prison Break." Her favorite artist is Lil Durk and Rod Wave.
"I chose Howard because of coach Oliver and the school's rich history while being located in the nation's capital," Wright said. "While being part of Howard's women's track team, I've gained lifelong friendships and have created special memories with these people. I will cherish these memories forever. Without God, none of this would've been possible, and I thank God every day for blessing me."
Rob Knox is an award-winning professional. A member of the Lincoln (Pa.) Hall of Fame, Knox currently serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Communications for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Knox enjoyed a distinguished career as an athletics communicator for Lincoln, Kutztown, Coppin State, Towson, and UNC Greensboro. He also worked at ESPN and for the Delaware County Daily Times. Recently, Knox was honored by the NCAA with its Champion of Diversity award. Knox is a graduate of Lincoln University and a past president of the College Sports Communicators (CSC), formerly CoSIDA
