WASHINGTON (July 15, 2026) - For Kelis Armstrong (Dallas), success has never been measured solely by the distance of a jump or the medals she earned on the track. It has always been about the lives she impacts beyond competition.
 
The recent Howard University graduate, former NCAA Division I Track & Field standout and Dallas native has been named the recipient of the 2026 Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award, one of the nation's most prestigious honors, recognizing young leaders who use the power of sport to create meaningful change in their communities.
 
The award was presented during the 12^th Annual Sports Humanitarian Awards Tuesday (July 14) at Gotham Hall in New York City as part of ESPYS Week, hosted by SportsCenter anchor Christine Williamson. The ceremony celebrated athletes, teams and organizations that use sports as a platform for service. Armstrong's story will also be featured during ESPN studio programming and the 2026 ESPYS, airing live on ABC Wednesday (July 15).
 
For Armstrong, the recognition represents far more than an individual achievement.
 
"Winning this award means a lot to me because it represents all of the hard work I have put in," she shared. "It is a reminder that purpose can extend far beyond sports."
 
A Champion in Competition and the Classroom
 
In May, Armstrong graduated from Howard with a degree in health science while maintaining an impressive 3.92 cumulative GPA (grade point average).
 
On the track, she concluded her collegiate career by qualifying for the NCAA East Regional Championships for the second consecutive year in the triple jump, solidifying herself as one of Howard's premier student-athletes.
 
Her academic excellence has been equally remarkable. This spring, she earned recognition on both the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner's All-Academic Team and the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
 
Adding to an already decorated year, Armstrong was also selected as one of just 42 recipients nationwide to receive the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, earning $10,000 to support her graduate studies.
 
This fall, she will continue her education at Columbia University where she will pursue a Master of Public Health.
 
Finding Purpose Beyond the Track
 
While Armstrong's accomplishments in athletics are impressive, she believes her greatest impact has happened away from competition.
 
Following an ACL injury that cut her track season short, Armstrong found herself searching for purpose beyond athletics.
 
Rather than allowing the setback to define her, she discovered a new passion, serving the youth.
 
"That injury helped me realize my purpose was not just on the track," Armstrong explained. "Working with youth and helping them discover their own purpose gave me a sense of balance."
 
That shift in perspective became the foundation for the work she did throughout the D.C., community.
 
Through organizations, including Grassroots Health, Run Your City and Howard University's student-athlete service initiatives, Armstrong has used athletics as a vehicle to promote health education, create safe after-school spaces and encourage student-athletes to become community leaders.
 
Her passion centers on public health and ensuring young people have access to opportunities many communities often lack.
 
"I love making a difference in the youth community," she said. "Every child deserves safe spaces, resources and people who believe in them."
 
Building a Legacy of Service
 
Armstrong's commitment to community extends well beyond graduation.
 
Looking ahead, she hopes to establish her own nonprofit organization, serving youth both in the Metro D.C. area and her hometown of Dallas. Her vision is to address issues surrounding public health, food insecurity and limited access to safe recreational spaces through education, fitness and mentorship.
 
Receiving the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award affirms that vision.
 
The honor recognizes young leaders who use sports as a catalyst for positive social change, a mission Armstrong has embraced throughout her collegiate journey.
 
Faith, Perspective and Perseverance
 
When asked what keeps her motivated, Armstrong's answer begins with faith.
 
"God keeps me motivated," she said. "On the hard days, I remind myself why I started, how far I have already come and I just take it one day at a time."
 
She also credits the students she serves as a daily source of inspiration.
 
"My students play a huge role in keeping me motivated," Armstrong continued.
 
One phrase continues to guide her through every challenge: "You can't see the forest among the trees."
 
For Armstrong, the saying serves as a reminder to stay patient during difficult seasons because the bigger picture often is not visible until later.
 
It is the same wisdom she hopes to pass on to the next generation of athletes.
 
"It is easy to feel motivated when things are going well," she said. "Keep going until you can see the full picture."
 
More Than an Athlete
 
Armstrong's story is one of resilience, faith, academic excellence and unwavering service.
 
She leaves Howard not only as a two-time NCAA Regional qualifier, an NCAA Postgraduate Scholar and one of the nation's top student-athletes academically, but as a young woman committed to improving the lives of others.
 
As she prepares to begin graduate school at Columbia, Armstrong continues proving that the most meaningful victories are not always earned on a podium, they are found in classrooms, neighborhoods and communities where hope is created one life at a time.
 
The 2026 Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award is a celebration of everything she has already accomplished, but perhaps even more importantly, it is recognition of the impact she is only just beginning to make.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.