First Round Bound: Jackson’s Journey to NCAA Glory Begins

BALTIMORE, Md. (May 27, 2025) — Senior standout Tia Jackson has achieved a remarkable milestone in his athletic career. Through hard work and exceptional performances, she has qualified for the prestigious 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships East First Round. This prestigious event will take place from May 28-31 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida.

 

The NCAA East First Round is a highly competitive event that brings together the most talented track and field athletes from across the eastern region of the United States. Jackson’s qualification places her among elite company. She will now have the opportunity to showcase her skills on a national stage and compete for a spot in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

 

Jackson will open regional championship action for the Bears on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the women’s long jump. 

 

“It’s always a good feeling to have our student-athletes get to this level, and to experience what it means to compete amongst the best,” said Morgan State head coach Neville Hodge. “This is Tia’s second time getting to the NCAA preliminary and it shows what one can accomplish when they have confidence, and the belief that anything is possible.”

“I am very proud of Tia and all she has accomplished this season. She has displayed the true meaning of competition and “GRIT” on every level,” said associate head coach Janice Smythe. “Coaching her has been very rewarding and to see her accomplish this feat for a second time speaks volume to her hard work and dedication to the sport. This is a great way to wrap-up her collegiate career and I know she is excited and looking forward to the competition and to represent Morgan at a high level.”

On April 24th, Jackson showcased her impressive long jump capabilities at the Annual Legacy Track & Field Meet, where she soared to a career-best distance of 6.21 meters. Just a few weeks later, at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Championships in Norfolk, Virginia, Jackson achieved a distance of 6.02 meters to earn the gold medal, cementing her status as one of the top long jumpers in the conference. Jackson’s victory marked the third time in her career that she captured gold in the long jump at the MEAC Outdoor Championships (2022, 2023, 2025).

 

Jackson, a Bristol, UK product, enters this week nationally ranked T-No. 47 in the long jump in the NCAA East Region. 

The top 12 finishers in each individual event and 12 teams from each relay event from the NCAA East First Round will advance to the NCAA Championships. The NCAA Championships will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. on June 5-8. 

ESPN+ will provide daily coverage of the East First Round meet.

 

Tickets are available for purchase here. 

 

You can find schedule of events for the 2025 NCAA East and West first rounds below: 

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ABOUT MORGAN

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 126 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.