Meet the Student-Athletes from Hampton University, the First HBCU NCAA Triathlon Team

When did you start competing in triathlon? What do you love most about the sport? 

Bryant: “The fall of 2022. It’s a constant reminder that growth takes time, discipline and dedication. Teaching me that I am truly capable of any and everything I set my mind to.” 

Buckner: “My freshman year of college, and I love the welcoming environment of triathlons.” 

Moultrie: “August of 2024. The combination of swimming, biking, and running really challenges me in so many ways, both physically and mentally.” 

Williams:  “My sophomore year of college. What I love most about this sport is how it pushes me to go beyond my limits.” 

Morgan: “My sophomore year of college in 2024. The team has fostered my love for competing in triathlons in the beginning. With the continuous love and support in seeing not just myself, but my friends grow in this sport, I've grown to love triathlons myself just as they’ve helped me grow me as a person.” 

What made you decide to go to an HBCU?  Why was it important for you to attend an HBCU? 

Bryant: “My experience attending predominantly white schools and competing in a predominantly white sport created a very warped sense of self and true reality as a Black woman. In my spirit and soul, I knew I needed to ensure I continued my education around people that actually look like me and have genuine shared experiences.” 

Buckner: “Being a legacy of Hampton University, my family has always stressed the importance of being in an environment where you can truly flourish and witness other cultures and people. It’s important to attend an HBCU because they were created for the higher education of Black individuals. This allows us to flourish in a community with many different Black cultures.” 

Moultrie: “Hampton University had produced some of the best Black marine scientists of all time so I knew it would be a great pick.” 

Williams: “I decided to attend an HBCU to become more grounded in my roots and it would allow me to make meaningful connections with other people just like me. It was important to me to attend an HBCU because I really wanted to be in an environment where I could feel loved and supported by people who were like me.” 

Morgan: “I always knew I wanted to attend an HBCU. I am a fourth generation college student in my family and the third (member of my family) to attend Hampton University . The majority of my family has attended Hampton with the exception of my mother who went to Spelman.” 

How did you discover NCAA triathlon? 

Bryant: “Through word of mouth when I asked about aquatics at Hampton.” 

Moultrie: “I had to take a PE class and decided on beginning swimming where the swim coach convinced me to check out triathlon.” 

Williams: “I found NCAA triathlon while looking for open swim and saw a flyer on my coach’s door."

How has becoming a student-athlete impacted your life? 

Buckner: “Becoming a student has allowed me to continue to grow in self-discipline, and set goals for myself.” 

Moultrie: “Being a student-athlete has allowed me to stay healthy and fit. I’ve also met great friends” 

Morgan: “Being a student-athlete in college had definitely taken its toll on me for the first semester. Managing time, a social life, grades, and healthy relationships was hard, but I learned it wasn’t impossible. My friends helped me thrive when times were tough and I’m very fortunate to have incredibly supportive coaches.” 

What are you most proud of being a student-athlete an HBCU in an emerging NCAA Championship sport? 

Bryant: “Our experiences are so unique compared to other teams and it will continue to keep us connected in laying the foundation for all the young Black female triathletes to come.” 

Moultrie: “It’s about trailblazing for future athletes, representing my school and community, and balancing academics and athletics. I’m also creating opportunities and visibility for my sport while building resilience in the face of challenges.” 

Williams: “I am most proud of how my teammates and I make the choice every day to wake up and compete in a white-dominated sport, no matter the challenges we may face we never back down from it and we steady strive to become better!” 

Morgan: “I’m proud of me. I know it’s a simple statement but I’m proud of myself for stepping out of my shell and even attempting to do something this crazy (this sport is quite crazy).” 

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far? 

Buckner: “To give myself grace. During the season I can get caught up in other’s progress and compare myself to others.” 

Moultrie: “Patience and trust.” 

Williams: “To never give up on yourself and to trust the process.” 

What advice would you have for those who are new to multisport or might be nervous to get involved? 

Bryant: “To not be daunted by the task. Take things one step at a time and don’t expect immediate improvement. It takes to time to build and strengthen a skillset. But do not allow yourself to say you are incapable.” 

Buckner: “Put yourself out there and start practicing with a group or a friend that will hold you accountable and support you.” 

Morgan: “Rely on your village; those people that have been there for you since day one and those people who would like to join you on your journey will get you through any challenges that come your way. Also, believe in yourself and in your ability to grow, both as a person and physically.” 

What is your favorite triathlon memory? 

Bryant: “My favorite triathlon memories, because I can’t pick one, would have to be making my team and coaches laugh being myself. And how it meshes with every other teammate and forms a huge goofball of girls trying to make it through the season.”

Moultrie: “My favorite memory with the team is spilt between Nationals in Florida and the Patriots Triathlon which is where I got my first medal.” 

Williams: “My favorite triathlon memory is when we went to Nationals and I was freaked out and basically did not want to compete anymore, but my teammates, coaches, and even the parents were there to support me and they helped me realize that I was capable to do it! They helped me finish at Nationals and I felt all the love and support around me!” 

Find more information on Women's NCAA Triathlon and Hampton University's team here.