Louisiana State University (LSU) women’s track and field head coach Dennis Shaver announced on Tuesday that the team has signed Guyanese sprinter Keliza Smith.

Smith, a native of West Bank Demerara, Georgetown, is a six-time national champion in her home country. 

She will join LSU this spring as a junior after two standout seasons at Barton Community College.

During her time at Barton, Smith earned an NJCAA title in the 60 meters and accumulated 15 USTFCCCA First Team All-American honours.

The sprinter comes to Baton Rouge, Louisiana with personal bests of : 7.28 seconds in the 60m, 11.37 in the 100m, 23.08 in the 200m, and 52.91 in the 400m. 

Her 11.37-second 100m mark currently stands as the Guyana national U20 record.