
Tags: Florida State University, Joella Lloyd, Ncaa East Regionals, national 100m record
Joella Lloyd’s transfer from the University of Tennessee to Florida State University last fall was more than just a change of scenery—it has so far proven to be a career-defining decision.
The Antiguan sprinter shattered her own national 100m record at the NCAA East Regionals on Saturday, clocking 11.01 seconds to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, set for two weeks’ time. After lowering her own national record on yet another occasion, Lloyd believes that sub-11 breakthrough is imminent.
“I thought I had the sub-11 this time,” she said with a laugh. “But not yet, not yet. Hopefully at nationals I can finally break that 11-second barrier and just keep improving. I’m putting different parts of my race together—it’s just a matter of getting it all to click.”
Her move to Florida State has had a transformative impact, both physically and mentally.
“I would say that I am a lot stronger and in a better mental space,” she explained. “I enjoyed my time at Tennessee, but I’m glad I made this change. The weight programme here and the overall setup is more of what I needed. It feels like track and field is fun again.”
The decision to transfer wasn’t made lightly. Having joined Tennessee straight from Antigua, Lloyd never took official visits during her original recruitment. After spending several years with the Volunteers, she craved something different.
“I just wanted a change of environment. I also wanted to be somewhere warm, like Antigua’s weather,” she said. “One of my friends started training at Florida State with Coach (Matt) Kane and highly recommended it. So I wanted to come down and try it myself.”
That move has paid off. Now under the guidance of Coach Ricky Argro, Lloyd says the environment is relaxed but effective.
“I feel like I’m competing because I love the sport—not because I have to be perfect all the time,” she said. “Coach really emphasizes being the best version of yourself. He recruits athletes based on character too, so we all mesh really well as a team.”
Part of that chemistry has included training alongside teammate Shenese Walker, who also broke new ground this past weekend, dipping under 11 seconds for the first time.
“She’s definitely pushed me in the longer workouts like 200s, which I don’t like,” Lloyd said with a grin. “She’s also a great leader—if she sees you’re down, she’ll talk to you. It’s like having someone who cares about you beyond just being a teammate.”
Lloyd, too, has embraced a leadership role at FSU.
“I try to be really positive and get to know everyone’s personalities. When I see someone down, I remind them that track and field is just one part of life. Sometimes your breakthrough just needs time.”
Already a two-time Olympian, Lloyd has her sights set firmly on the next level. At the last World Championships, she reached the semifinals of the 200m. This year, she’s aiming higher.
“I’m hoping I can make it into a final at Worlds,” she said. “Every year I get a little bit better, and hopefully this is the year I make that big step.”
That next step also includes going professional—a goal she’s committed to pursuing regardless of circumstances.
“I’ve always dreamed of being a professional track and field athlete,” she said. “That’s the goal—contract or no contract. I’d still try and pursue it after college.”
Back home in Antigua, the support has been overwhelming. Her old coaches have reached out, media houses have come calling, and younger athletes have flooded her inbox with congratulatory messages.
“They’ve been very sweet. It’s been really positive so far.”
Now just 0.02 seconds away from one of sprinting’s most coveted milestones, Joella Lloyd stands on the cusp of history—not just for herself, but for Antigua and Barbuda. And if her current trajectory holds, that elusive sub-11 is only a matter of time.
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