New Britain, Conn. — Every stride is meticulously crafted through repetition and focus. Finish lines are only the beginning, and for the men and women of Central Connecticut State University’s Track and Field team, every time their spikes hit the blazing red track, they radiate greatness and assure silverware. 

Hosting the Northeast Conference (NEC) Outdoor Track and Field Championships, CCSU captured the Women’s Championship and finished second in the men’s competition on May 3. 

Two standout athletes from Central were awarded not just the Outstanding Performer award for their respective events, but Meagan Desmaris and Greyson Golda also won Most Valuable Performer (MVP) overall.  

Regaining the title after five years, Central’s women’s team totaled 182 points across the two-day meet and finished with 13 medals. This championship completed a rare trifecta for the Blue Devils, who also won the NEC cross country and indoor track championships during the 2025-26 season. 

Kyrah Smith, a sophomore and gold medalist in both the 400 meters and 4×400 relay, said she left everything on the field and had something to be proud of. 

“Being on the podium felt a little unreal. I was proud, but more than anything, just present in the moment,” Smith said. “I remember crossing the line and giving everything I had to the point where I fell through it. That kind of summed up the race for me.” 

However, she’s been on the other side of success and said she has become better because of it. 

“This year meant more to me because of what last year looked like. Coming off a concussion and an ankle sprain, I started the season by making a vision board of what I wanted to accomplish,” Smith said. “I didn’t really talk about it much, but I stayed committed to it. To see things come together the way they did is something I’m really grateful for.” 

The men’s team finished second in the outdoor championship after previously winning both the NEC indoor and cross-country titles. The Blue Devils accumulated 172 points and also earned 13 medals. 

Similar to Smith, sophomore Lucas Figueiredo won gold in both the 400 meters and the 4×400 relay. He said the team’s preparation made the victories more meaningful. 

“It felt so refreshing knowing our performances brought us our medals on the podium,” Figueiredo said. “All I could think about was how I left everything on the track and couldn’t be more proud of myself and my teammates. Ever since the first week of school, we have been nonstop training almost every week, preparing and shaping ourselves to be in the best shape possible for this meet.” 

Senior KyMoy Phillip, a member of the gold medal-winning 4×400 relay team, described stepping on the podium as a culmination of all the practices and prior meets they participated in.  

“It was a bittersweet moment. It reflected how much hard work me and the boys I have run with for my 4×4 put in, but also because that was the last time I would run that relay with that group of guys,” Phillip said. “To stand on the podium with my group of guys at home and receive our gold medal, for that to be my last moment as a Blue Devil, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to go out.” 

However, these medals weren’t just given to these athletes. The work that they put in shows through their performance on the big stage. 

“This season wasn’t easy. I was dealing with hip issues for most of it, and during the NEC championship, I was also sick and could barely breathe through my nose,” Smith said. “It forced me to rely less on feeling perfect and more on trusting my preparation. Practices weren’t always pretty, but they were consistent, and I think that’s what carried me through.” 

“To be in the position that I am in today, it took sacrifice, dedication and hard work,” Phillip said. “Having to transfer to another school after my freshman year because their athletic department shut down, being hours away from home and living in a new setting, I had to put in the work physically and mentally, push my body to limits I never thought I could and stay focused without getting distracted.” 

Athletes also credited their support systems for helping fuel the team’s success and facilitating consistent results.  

“I definitely feel like this season felt different,” Figueiredo said. “I think the team is way more connected and closer than last year. So when we win as a team, I feel so much happier because we are all brothers trying to better each other every day.” 

“It’s hard to thank just one person. Track can look individual, but it’s not,” Smith said. “My training partners pushed me every day, my coaches believed in me even when I didn’t always see it myself, and my teammates made the hard days lighter. And of course, my mom and God. They all had a part in this.” 

Phillip said his mother has been his biggest inspiration throughout his career. 

“I would definitely say my mom. I do everything to make her proud,” Phillip said. “I can only imagine how it feels to be a single mother with twins, and she makes it look so easy and always manages to provide for my brother and me. She is the reason I even got introduced to track in fourth grade. She has always supported me and been on the ride with me.” 

Religion also plays a role in many of the athletes’ lives, as they said it provides another way of support and stability. 

“I want to thank my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, because he’s been with me every step of the way,” Figueiredo said. “He always gives me strength for my races and peace of mind when I’m anxious for a meet. He continues to bless me every day, and I trust him with my future and everything I have.” 

While this season marked the end of collegiate competition for some athletes, the accomplishments of Central’s 2025-26 track and field teams will remain part of program history forever.  

“To be able to grow long-lasting bonds with this group of guys and create a brotherhood, this is something I will cherish forever,” Phillip said.