TEXAS TRACK DAD PODCAST

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This week on the TexasTrackDad Podcast, we’re joined by trailblazing teen sprinter Tate Taylor, the San Antonio-based phenom from Harlan High School (UIL 6A) who exploded onto the national stage in 2025. At just 17 he shattered the high school record in the 100m with a legal 9.92 seconds (+1.1m/s) at the Texas state meet. 

He didn’t stop there — he also clocked a blistering 20.14 in the 200m, tying for the fastest high school mark in U.S. history in that event. 

In this episode we dive deep into Tate’s mindset, the race-week build-up, training adjustments after such a breakout season, and his vision for what comes next — both on the track and off. We also pull back the curtain on the recruiting process: how Tate is navigating college interest, what he’s looking for in a program, how he stays focused amidst the hype, and how he keeps grounded with such elite credentials. Whether you’re a coach, athlete or parent, this conversation brings real insight into sprint success at the highest level.

Tune in as we explore:

The journey from high school standout to potential college or pro sprint star

How Tate reset expectations for himself and his training after hitting 9.92/20.14

What he looks for in a school or coach and how he manages recruiting offers

Mental preparation, competition nerves and what it really takes to perform under pressure

Final thoughts and advice for other athletes chasing speed, records and college dreams

Get ready for a fast-paced, inspirational episode that brings the inner workings of elite sprinting into focus. Let’s go fast.

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Live with Avery Hicks Class of 2026 Unsigned Senior (Jumps)
PRs TJ 11.44m, LJ 5.42m, 100 12.52, 200 26.11
email: [email protected]

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Ashley Mitchell – Coach & Former All-American Sprinter

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Ashley Mitchell began her track journey at just eight years old with The Wings Track Club. A standout athlete from the start, she helped lead Westbury High School to four state championships and captured the 2000 state title in the 400m.

Ashley represented the IAAF Youth Team USA in 1999 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, where she earned silver in the 4x100m relay and gold in the sprint medley relay. She went on to earn a full scholarship to Texas Tech University, becoming a Big 12 All-American in the 200m.

With over 19 years of coaching experience, Ashley has dedicated her career to developing young athletes across Houston—coaching with The Wings Track Club, Westbury High School, Bellaire High School, Olle Middle School, and currently at Dawson High School.

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In this episode of the TexasTrackDad Podcast, we sit down with Coach Tremaine Spencer, founder and head coach of Texas Titans Track & Field Club. With over 30 years of experience working with youth and a passion rooted in faith, family, and athletics, Coach Tremaine shares his mission to develop strong athletes—and even stronger communities.

We dive into his journey from counseling and ministry to building one of the most respected youth track clubs in the country. Coach Tremaine opens up about recruiting, athlete mindset, coaching alongside his wife, and how parents can best support their child’s college dreams.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is full of wisdom, purpose, and powerful takeaways that go far beyond the finish line.

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 Hurdlenomics: Breaking Down the Science of Hurdles with Coach Devin Noel

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Talking recruiting, athletes mind set, college preparation and more. 

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Live with Coach Zontavius "Zee"Johnson

Coach Zontavius “Coach Zee” Johnson – Quick Bio
Over 20 years coaching sprints and hurdles

Sprints & Hurdles Coach at Olivet Nazarene University

Led team to back-to-back NAIA women’s 4x400m national titles

Coached 8 NAIA national champions

Produced 47 NAIA All-American athletes

Founder of Legacy Runners Elite Track Club

Developed over 100 AAU & USATF All-Americans

USATF Level 3 Certified Sprints & Hurdles Coach

Known for science-based, results-driven coaching

Inspires athletes to believe—and achieve—the unbelievable



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College: Indiana University – Freshman Season (2024–2025)

*Indoor Success

60 m Dash: 7.39 s at the IU Early Bird Meet (Dec 2024), ranking 2nd at that meet and among the top freshman indoor marks nationally

*Outdoor Highlights

100 m Dash
Best time: 11.52 s (+1.2 m/s, Tom Jones Invitational, Apr 2025)

Additional notable outings: 11.66 s (Crimson Tide Invitational), and strong finishes at Jim Green Invitational and Billy Hayes Invitational—where she ran as fast as 11.76 s and even 11.78 s

4×100 Relay
Anchored Indiana’s team to a standout 44.92 s performance at the Tom Jones Invitational (Apr 2025), along with solid showings at the Big Ten Championships (45.27 s—9th place) and Jim Green Invitational (46.18 s)


*Championship Stage
At the 2025 Big Ten Outdoor Championships (May 16–18):

100 m: 11.71 s (17th overall)

4×100 Relay: Team ran 45.27 s, finishing 9th

*Technical Growth & Versatility

Maintained excellence in sprints—carrying forward high school foundations into her freshman year

Already setting program marks (notably in the 60 m) and contributing to Indiana’s team scoring

Summary: A Track Phenom’s Journey

From state-record crusher in Texas to freshman standout at IU, Aliyah has maintained a trajectory of growth, consistency, and rising expectations:

Stage Highlights
High School TAPPS state records & titles, All-American honors, national recognition

College (Freshman) Indoor and outdoor PRs, program-leading marks, Big Ten Championship competitor

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TexasTrackDad Podcast: Featuring Taylor Nunez

Sprinting Into the Future: Taylor Nunez’s Journey from State Legend to Olympic Aspirations

In this inspiring episode of TexasTrackDad Podcast, we sit down with Taylor Nunez, the most decorated girls high school sprinter in Texas history and a committed star heading to Texas A&M. A legend at Randolph High School, Taylor capped her career with an unmatched 16-for-16 run of individual state gold medals in the 100 m, 200 m, long jump, and relays—and did it without ever losing a state meet race ([San Antonio Report][1], [San Antonio Express-News][2]).

As Taylor takes this moment of pause after her final high school season, she sets her sights on the 2028 Olympics on home turf in Los Angeles. She’s aiming to shave her 100 m time down to the high‑10 seconds and extend her long jump from 21 to 22 feet ([San Antonio Report][1]). Beyond her athletic goals, Taylor is deeply grounded: she graduated with a strong 3.7 GPA and plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology, with dreams of working in physical therapy—choosing a professional path over turning pro immediately ([San Antonio Report][1]).

Coming from a powerhouse athletic lineage—her mom, Tameka, is a former Olympian-caliber competitor, and her grandparents were athletes, too—Taylor's discipline, focus, and dedication shine through. She’s made sacrifices for her craft, from early morning workouts to missed prom nights, all while keeping her eye on using track as a springboard to adulthood ([San Antonio Report][1]).

Tune in to hear Taylor’s story: from family inspiration and record-setting high school dominance to recruiting experiences, balancing academics with elite training, and mapping her Olympic dream. It’s a conversation full of heart, grit, and Texas-sized ambition—perfect for fans, aspiring athletes, and anyone curious about what's next for this rising sprint and jump start.

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