Seven-Time 200m Horizon League Champion
On February 15, 2025, Milwaukee native Ciara Jarrett went back to her stomping grounds at Youngstown State University (YSU) to be honored for her accomplishments in track. From 2011-2014, Jarrett ran track and field at YSU and now she’s one of the newest members to be inducted into the YSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Jarrett was one of six former student-athletes inducted. The class of 2024 features Casey Crozier (softball), Chris Elkins (football), Bobby Grace (track and field), Samantha Hamilton (track and field), Jarrett (track and field), and Kendrick Perry (men’s basketball).
The inductees were introduced at halftime at a YSU’s State women’s basketball game.
According to YSU’s website, Jarrett had an outstanding track career at YSU, earning multiple Horizon League titles and records. She became the first YSU athlete to win the same event four consecutive years and was named the league’s Most Outstanding Female Runner. Jarrett dominated in the 100m, 200m, and long jump, winning multiple championships and setting records. She also competed in NCAA preliminaries and anchored winning relay teams. Despite redshirting in 2014 due to an injury, her legacy includes numerous first-place finishes, conference records, and recognition as one of YSU’s top sprinters.
“I didn’t realize I did all that. I just remember competing,” said Jarrett. “I didn’t realize I was that good.”
From Elementary Racing to Coaching
Sometimes it just takes one person to see your talent, which is exactly what led Jarrett on the path of track and field. In elementary school, she outran the boys, prompting her teacher, Mr. Dave, to suggest track to her parents. She then went on to excel in high school, placing in the top six and reaching the state championships three out of four years.
For Jarrett, track was just fun but it also expanded her world beyond Milwaukee and brought lifelong friendships.
Her hard work led to a full ride at YSU.
“I got to experience so much life outside of Milwaukee because of track,” said Jarrett.
Jarrett has transitioned from athlete to coach, guiding high school and college runners. She’s coached at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Oakland University in Michigan, Bryant & Stratton in Wisconsin, and now Messmer High School in Milwaukee.
As a mother of a four-year-old son, Jarrett treats her students as her own children providing them with the same support she received over the years of her track and field career.
The biggest advice Jarrett has for student athletes is to not do everything alone and keep your goals front of mind.
“I’m a tool for athletes I coach and mentor,” said Jarrett.
