WASHINGTON (June 10, 2026) - For many student-athletes, earning a spot at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships is the culmination of years of hard work. For Howard University sophomore Cenaiya Billups (Denver), the journey carries even greater significance.
 
A former walk-on athlete as a freshman, Billups has transformed herself into one of the premier hurdlers in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and now finds herself preparing to compete on the sport's biggest collegiate stage.
 
"I always remind myself that I am the variable," said Billups. "I am the one who changes while everything with running stays the same."
 
The Denver native, who attended Lake Oswego High School and majors in Business Management with a minor in Sports Administration, has steadily elevated her performance each season while becoming a key contributor for the women's track and field program.
 
"I'm thankful for a team that I can lean on when faced with adversity," Billups expressed. "My teammates and coaches do a great job with keeping me motivated because every day is not always easy."
 
Billups enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 outdoor campaign, capturing the MEAC Championship in the 400-meter hurdles with a winning time of 56.86 seconds. She also helped lead Howard's MEAC Championship 4x400-meter relay team, which posted a time of 3:35.30, and earned recognition on the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field All-Academic Team. Her outstanding performances throughout the season also earned her MEAC Track Athlete of the Week honors in March.
 
Her success has been building for several years. During the 2024-25 season, Billups earned USTFCCCA (U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association) All-Academic Athlete honors, qualified for the NCAA East Regional and finished 17^th overall in the 400-meter hurdles. She also secured All-MEAC Third Team honors and claimed a victory at the prestigious Tom Jones Invitational.
 
For Billups, her journey was never about instant success.
 
"I went out there with nothing to lose," Billups added. "I am glad that I did not let fear stop me."
 
Indoors, Billups has been equally impactful. She helped Howard capture multiple relay titles, including a MEAC Championship in the 4x400 relay and a victory at the HBCU National Championships. Her academic achievements have matched her athletic success, earning All-Academic recognition during both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
 
Now, Billups' hard work has paid off in a historic way!
 
After delivering a school-record performance of 55.09 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles, she punched her ticket to the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, becoming one of seven Bison to qualify for the national meet. They secured their championship berths following a standout showing at the NCAA East Regional Round in Lexington, Ky.
 
The NCAA Championships will take place June 10-13 at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., widely regarded as one of the most iconic venues in track and field.
 
"I am familiar with the iconic Hayward Field," Billups continued. "It feels amazing to go there and represent Howard University".
 
As she prepares to compete against the nation's best Thursday (June 11), Billups represents more than just a championship qualifier. She embodies perseverance, growth and opportunities that can emerge when preparation meets opportunity. From arriving at Howard as a walk-on athlete to becoming a conference champion, school-record holder and NCAA Championship qualifier, her story continues to inspire.
 
"I want people to hear my name and know how courageous I am," said Billups. "How hard I worked to reach my full potential."
 
Off the track, Billups chose Howard University for its culture and values, enjoys traveling and cites Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the athlete she would most like to be mentored by because of her mindset and approach to competition.
 
"Never let your fear decide your fate," Billups emphasized the importance of staying motivated.
 
Now, with the NCAA Championships on the horizon, Billups has the opportunity to add another chapter to what has already become one of Howard Track & Field's most remarkable success stories.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.