Barbados’ Blackett tapped to lead Rice Owls Track & Field

HOUSTON, Texas (CMC):

For Andrea Blackett, the arc of a sporting career has bent perfectly back to where it all began. Rice University announced that the former Commonwealth Games champion and Barbadian national record holder has been named the third Head Women’s Track & Field Coach in programme history.

The 50-year-old Blackett, who rejoined the Owls this season as associate head coach, will now lead her alma mater into a new era.

Blackett follows a direct line of mentorship, succeeding two legendary figures: Victor Lopez (1980-2005) and Jim Bevan (2005-2026).

In doing so, she becomes the first former Rice student-athlete to ascend to the programme’s top job.

“I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to serve in this role as the third Head Women’s Track & Field Coach at Rice University,” Blackett said. “Our programme has a long-standing tradition of excellence, both academically and athletically, and I’m excited to continue to build on that foundation.

“Succeeding two head coaches like Victor Lopez and Jim Bevan is truly humbling. I have tremendous respect for everything they have both accomplished and the culture they created here. I am eager to keep on working with our student-athletes, staff, alumni, and the entire Rice community as we continue striving for excellence on the track/field, in the classroom, and in life.”

Blackett’s global resume is impeccable. A veteran international competitor for her native Barbados, she represented the island nation at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics.

She also competed in six IAAF World Championships from 1997 to 2007. Her signature moment on the global stage came when she captured Commonwealth Games gold, and she still holds the Barbadian national record in the 400m hurdles, a mark she set in August 1999.

After retiring from international competition, Blackett immediately transitioned into coaching, serving as Barbados’ head track and field coach at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

A former Harrison College student and Carifta Games champion, Blackett is regarded as one of the greatest student-athletes in Rice athletics history.

Rice Athletic Director Tommy McClelland praised the hire, noting that Blackett’s blend of Olympic experience and deep ties to the university’s winning culture made her the clear choice to carry on the Lopez-Bevan legacy.

Blackett will officially take over the program immediately as the Owls prepare for the upcoming outdoor season.