Reid Chosen as New Track and Field Coach
Oskaloosa–William Penn University Athletics Director Grant Farris is proud to announce the hiring of NAIA national championship-winning coach Younne Reid as the new Head Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Coach.
A coach for over two decades, Reid most recently guided collegiate athletes from 2017 – 2020 when he was the head coach at Southern University at New Orleans. While at SUNO, he led his teams to unprecedented success, both in the Gulf South Athletic Conference and the NAIA.
Reid led his 2018 women’s team to the national title at the NAIA Outdoor Championship (the only national title in school history in any sport), while the squad claimed runner-up status at the Indoor Championship. The SUNO women were also second in the 2019 Outdoor Championship, while taking third in both National Championships in 2017.
For his efforts, he was named both the 2018 NAIA Indoor Coach of the Year and Outdoor Coach of the Year. He has also twice garnered the NAIA South Region Coach of the Year laurel.
He also won the Allstate Sugar Bowl 2019 Eddie Robinson Award. Due to his team’s efforts the city of New Orleans also gave the team proclamation awards in 2017 and 2018.
The 2017 women’s 4×400-meter relay team broke and still holds the world record time.
His SUNO teams were also strong in the classroom, earning academic certificates.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Reid to William Penn,” Farris said. “His proven success in the NAIA, combined with his passion for the sport and commitment to student-athletes, makes him a tremendous fit for our program. Coach Reid brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for building a successful program. We are excited to see the impact he will make on our program and our student-athletes.”
A native of Jamaica, he worked alongside Olympians Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Warren Weir from 2005-2008. He has also recently coached professional athletes, including Sheldon Williams and Chrisann Gordon-Powell, to a title in the 800-meter run at the 2002 Jamaican Nationals. He also guided her to a personal best of 1:59.45 at the 2022 World Championship.
Reid has also spent time at the prep level, coaching at Southern Laboratory High School from 2021-2023, where the 4×100 and 4×400-meter relay boys team won a state crown in 2021 and 2022. The boys and girls teams both finished in the top four at the state meet in 2022.
Reid has numerous certifications, including Level I and II from the USTFCCCA.
A 2013 graduate of SUNO with a degree in Computer Information Systems, he also has a Master’s in Reading and Education from Grand Canyon University in 2016.
“First, I would like to thank President Ottosson for allowing me the opportunity to bring my coaching skills to the great William Penn University,” Reid said. “I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Athletic Director Grant Farris. I truly enjoyed discussing the future of the program and exploring ways we can work together to build it into a championship-level program.”
“I am excited about this opportunity, while also remaining humble about the work and commitment it will require,” Reid added. “I look forward to working with the student-athletes and helping them reach their full potential, both on and off the track. I believe I have unfinished business when it comes to winning another championship, and I am motivated and ready to take on this challenge.”
Others Are Saying:
Kimona Smikle (former athlete, two-time 400-meter hurdles national champion): “Coach Reid, you were more than someone who trained me; you were someone God used to shape me. You challenged me, believed in me, and taught me to be confident, disciplined, and resilient. So much I carry today was developed during my time as your athlete.”
Sheldon Williams (former athlete, 400-meter hurdles national champion and professional champion): “I have known Coach Reid since I was 19, when I first represented Jamaica at the Pan-American Games. From the beginning, he saw my potential and never stopped believing in what I could achieve. His impact reaches far beyond the track. He taught me that setbacks may change the path, but they never have to define the destination or how far you can go.”
Chrisann Gordon-Powell (former athlete, 400-meter dash and 800-meter run national champion–NCAA): “Ten years is a lot of years; however, that’s how long Coach Reid has been a part of my life. And throughout that time, he has always been hardworking, determined, and consistent. He genuinely cares about his athletes and always has their best interests at heart. His dedication, commitment, and passion for coaching have had a lasting impact on my athletic journey, even now that I’m retired.”
Xuxa Peart (former athlete, 4×400-meter relay record-holder): “Coach Reid has been a father figure to me. He taught me never to underestimate my abilities or limit myself based on what I think I can do. Through his guidance, I learned the importance of humility, discipline, and trusting in the power of the human mind.”
