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Program ManagersOur Nike Elite Program staff include Olympians, elite coaches, and USATF National Team experts who provide high performance mentorship on sports performance, injury prevention, scholastic achievement, and college recruitment ensuring that our athletes and their coaches are supported with resources they need to succeed. Mechelle Lewis Freeman - Program Director Olympian, World Champion, Olympic Coach
Mechelle Lewis Freeman is an Olympian, World Champion, and Olympic Coach, recognized for her contributions to track and field as both an elite sprinter and a leading figure in athlete development. A standout competitor for Team USA, she competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a member of the 4x100m relay team, demonstrating exceptional speed, dedication, and competitive excellence on the world stage. Born and raised in Maryland, Freeman’s journey in track and field began at Oxon Hill High School, where she quickly made a name for herself as a top sprinter. She went on to compete at the University of South Carolina, where she developed into a world-class athlete before transitioning to the professional ranks. Her career highlights include winning gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2007 World Championships, representing the U.S. Olympic Team in 2008, and competing on multiple Team USA international squads. Following her competitive career, Freeman transitioned into coaching, where she quickly established herself as one of the world's top relay strategists. She has served as Team USA’s Women’s Relay Coach for multiple Olympic Games and World Championships, playing a crucial role in developing and executing winning relay strategies. Under her leadership, Team USA’s relay teams have continued their tradition of excellence, earning gold medals and setting world-record performances at the sport’s biggest events. Beyond coaching, Freeman is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in sports. She is the Founder of TrackGirlz, a nonprofit organization empowering girls through track and field. Through TrackGirlz, she provides resources, mentorship, and opportunities that help young women excel in both athletics and life. She has also held leadership roles in sports administration and athlete development, using her platform to promote diversity, inclusion, and opportunities for women in athletics. A true role model in the world of sports, Mechelle Lewis Freeman continues to inspire and uplift the next generation through her passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact in track and field and beyond.
James Daniels - Sprints Program Manager Elite Sprints and High Performance Coach
Contact: James.daniels@ James Daniels is a distinguished coach and leader in track and field, renowned for his ability to develop elite athletes at the collegiate, national, and international levels. With a career spanning multiple decades, his deep-rooted association with the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF) and the Nike Elite High School Program has solidified his reputation as one of the most influential figures in the sport. Throughout his coaching tenure, Daniels has guided his athletes to 155 All-American honors across NCAA Division I, II, and III, producing champions at every level. His commitment to both athletic and academic excellence is reflected in his athletes’ 160 MEAC All-Academic selections, 74 SEC All-Academic honors, and multiple USTFCCCA National Team recognitions. His leadership has also resulted in 52 conference champions, four conference record-holders, 162 NCAA East Regional qualifying marks, and 56 NCAA Championship participants, as well as two NCAA Division III national record holders. Beyond collegiate competition, Daniels has made a profound impact at the national and international levels, coaching 22 USATF National Qualifiers and 18 USATF Junior and Senior National Team members. As a USATF High-Performance Coach, he has served as an Instructor, Clinician, Speed Development Coach, and Strength & Conditioning Coach, contributing annually to the USATF Biomechanical Analysis of High-Performance Athletes under the leadership of Dr. Ralph Mann. His expertise has also extended to the Olympic stage, having served as a consultant to six Olympians, including two-time Olympian and Barbadian National Record Holder Kierre Beckles in the Women’s 100m Hurdles. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in coaching, James Daniels continues to shape the future of track and field. His dedication to mentoring the next generation of athletes ensures that his legacy will leave an enduring impact on the sport for years to come.
Dawn Harper-Nelson - Sprints Program Manager Olympic Champion, Broadcaster, and Mentor Dawn Harper-Nelson is one of the most decorated hurdlers in U.S. track and field history, celebrated for her consistency, resilience, and championship pedigree. A two-time Olympian, she made history by winning gold in the 100m hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first American woman to do so in that event since 1988. She followed up her victory with a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, solidifying her status as one of the greatest hurdlers of her generation. Born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, Harper-Nelson’s talent was evident from a young age. Her success on the track earned her a scholarship to UCLA, where she trained under legendary coach Jeanette Bolden and became an NCAA All-American. Transitioning to the professional ranks, she overcame injuries and setbacks to become one of the most consistent performers on the global stage. Beyond her Olympic success, Harper-Nelson’s career is highlighted by a 2014 Diamond League Championship, four U.S. National Championship titles, and World Championship bronze medals in 2011 and 2013. Known for her speed, technical precision, and fierce competitive spirit, she remained a dominant force in hurdling for over a decade. Her inspiring journey, which includes balancing athletic excellence with motherhood, has made her a role model for aspiring athletes. Since retiring from competition, Harper-Nelson has dedicated herself to mentorship, public speaking, and advocacy for women in sports. Her legacy as a champion and trailblazer continues to influence the next generation of elite hurdlers, ensuring her impact on the sport endures well beyond her competitive years. Carmen Jackson - Sprints Program Manager Renowned Coach and Mentor
Contact: CoachCarmen@ Carmen Jackson is a legendary figure in high school track and field, known for her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and championship success. Currently serving as the Dean of Student Discipline at Miami Northwestern High School in Miami, FL, she has been a pillar of excellence both on and off the track for over four decades. Her coaching career began in 1980 as an Assistant Coach, a role she held for 11 years before stepping into the Head Coach position in 1992—a title she still holds today. Under her leadership, Miami Northwestern has captured 19 state championships, with six runner-up finishes in 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2024. From 2009 to 2023, her program achieved an unprecedented 14 consecutive state titles, making Miami Northwestern one of the most dominant programs in high school track and field history. Beyond team championships, Coach Jackson has developed and mentored five Olympians, including Tiffany Ross Williams, a 2008 Olympian and two-time U.S. National Champion; Brianna Rollins-McNeal, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist in the 100m hurdles and three-time world champion; Lloydricia Cameron, a 2024 Olympian in the shot put; Twanisha "TeeTee" Terry, a 2024 Olympian in the 100m and 4x100m relay pool; and Aaliyah Butler, a 2024 Olympian in the 100m and 4x400m relay pool. Her ability to cultivate elite talent has solidified her reputation as one of the most influential high school coaches in the nation. As a mentor with the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF), Coach Jackson is dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and supporting young athletes to reach their full potential. She believes in using track and field not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for personal growth, discipline, and success. Her most cherished achievement is the ability to positively impact lives, helping her athletes become not only elite competitors but also outstanding individuals in their communities. Through her involvement with NSAF, she has been able to influence and uplift athletes nationwide, further cementing her legacy as a coach who changes lives through track and field. With an unmatched record of excellence, Coach Carmen Jackson continues to be a trailblazer in high school athletics, shaping future champions and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
John Truax - Distance Program Manager Industry Expert, Coach, and Mentor
Contact: 503-887-3239 John Truax is a respected coach, mentor, and leader in the track and field community, bringing over three decades of experience to the sport. With a passion for developing young athletes and fostering a lifelong love for running, he has dedicated his career to coaching, athlete development, and industry leadership. For the past 20 years, Truax has been a vital part of the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF), where he has served as a mentor and advocate for high school athletes, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their goals. His philosophy with NSAF is simple yet powerful: to mentor, excite, and foster a love for running that enables young athletes to reach their dreams. With 30 years of coaching experience in youth track & field and cross country, Truax has played a pivotal role in shaping generations of runners. His impact extends beyond coaching, as he has also worked for three decades in the running industry with Nike Inc., contributing to the growth and development of the sport at a global level. His commitment to high school running is further highlighted by his long-standing involvement with the Steens Mountain High Altitude Running Camp, a renowned training experience for young distance runners. Additionally, he served as the President of the Oregon Track Club, further cementing his leadership in the sport. For Truax, his most cherished moments are not just in the sport but in his personal life—his marriage of 35 years and the blessing of three beautiful children stand as his greatest accomplishments. His work with NSAF has been deeply fulfilling, as he finds joy in getting to know young athletes and witnessing their dedication, perseverance, and success. Through his lifelong commitment to running, coaching, and mentorship, John Truax continues to inspire and shape the future of track and field.
Billy Nelson - Distance Program Manager Olympian and Collegiate Distance Coach Billy Nelson is a distinguished figure in American distance running, renowned for his achievements as both an elite athlete and a dedicated collegiate coach. Born on September 11, 1984, in Bakersfield, California, Nelson attended Taft Union High School before excelling at the University of Colorado, where he became a six-time NCAA All-American. His accolades include two honors in cross country and four in track and field, with notable victories such as clinching the Big 12 Conference steeplechase title in both 2007 and 2008. Nelson's prowess in the 3,000-meter steeplechase earned him a spot on Team USA for the 2008 Beijing Olympics after finishing second at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a time of 8:21.47. He also represented the U.S. at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, after winning the steeplechase at the U.S. Track & Field Championships that year. His personal best in the event stands at an impressive 8:17.27, achieved at the 2011 Diamond League Meet in Monaco. After transitioning from athlete to coach, Nelson dedicated over a decade to mentoring the next generation of distance runners. As of 2023, he served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Colorado's cross country and track & field programs. Throughout his career, Nelson has been instrumental in recruiting athletes who have earned 122 All-American honors across cross country and track disciplines, including multiple Olympians. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Nelson was inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame in 2016. His enduring commitment to distance running, both as an athlete and a coach, continues to inspire and shape the future of the sport. Paul Limmer - At Large Program Manager Renowned Coach, Educator, and Mentor
Contact: [email protected] and 516-380-6224 Paul Limmer is a legendary track and field coach, educator, and mentor whose impact on high school athletics spans decades. Over his 35-year tenure at Mepham High School in Long Island, New York, he became the winningest coach in New York State history, a testament to the dedication and achievements of his student-athletes. Beyond the track, he was a passionate science educator, teaching Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, Physics, and Forensic Science, inspiring students both in the classroom and on the field. For the past 26 years, Limmer has played a crucial role in the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF), continuing his lifelong mission of mentoring young athletes and helping them reach their full potential. His coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that being a great person comes before being a great athlete, emphasizing the values of kindness, character, and integrity alongside athletic excellence. His impact on high school track and field is reflected in an extraordinary list of accomplishments, including two National Cross Country Coach of the Year titles, 15 New York State Championship titles earned by his athletes in the 1-mile and 2-mile events, and four Foot Locker National Championship qualifiers—one of whom was a Foot Locker champion. He also coached a Girls' Distance Medley Relay team that held the national record for 18 years and had the honor of serving as the High School Meet Referee at the 1994 Penn Relays, where the legendary Bill Bowerman was the Honorary College Referee. Limmer's involvement with NSAF has been one of the greatest joys of his life, giving him the opportunity to work with talented, hardworking student-athletes. He considers NSAF and Nike to be among his greatest passions, alongside his family and his love for breeding flowers. Despite his impressive list of accomplishments, he holds the birth of his children as the most important event in his life. His lasting legacy is not just in the championships and records, but in the lives he has shaped and the values he has instilled in countless student-athletes. For Coach Paul Limmer, the true measure of success is found in the personal growth, sportsmanship, and lifelong impact he has had on those he has mentored. Juli Benson- Distance Program Manager Olympian, Elite Coach, and Mentor
Juli Benson is a renowned coach, mentor, and former Olympian with over 15 years of collegiate coaching experience. She has guided both men’s and women’s programs at Georgetown University and the U.S. Air Force Academy while also coaching professional runners, including multiple Olympians. With a deep understanding of athlete development, she has built a reputation as a transformative leader in the sport. As an elite middle-distance runner, Benson competed at the highest levels, representing the United States in the 1500m at the 1996 Olympics. Her firsthand experience on the world stage has profoundly influenced her coaching philosophy, enabling her to offer unique insights into elite competition and athlete progression. Throughout her coaching career, she has achieved remarkable success, contributing to three NCAA Cross Country podium finishes, mentoring a USATF Junior National Champion, coaching two NCAA 1500m runners-up, and guiding a 1500m World Champion and a national record holder. Now in her first year with the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF), Benson is committed to helping high school athletes reach their full potential. She serves as a trusted mentor, providing athletes and their families with the knowledge and support needed to navigate the highest levels of competition. Her passion for athlete development extends beyond performance—she takes pride in shaping well-rounded individuals, ensuring that young runners grow not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. With her wealth of experience as both an Olympian and a coach, Benson continues to inspire and elevate the next generation of elite athletes, preparing them for success on and off the track. Barry Krammes - Throws Program Manager Coach, Educator, and Javelin Specialist
Barry Krammes is a dedicated coach, educator, and mentor with a lifelong passion for track and field, particularly in the javelin throw. A two-time U.S. Olympic Trials finalist (2008, 2012), Krammes has successfully transitioned from elite competitor to renowned coach, shaping the next generation of throwers through his expertise and leadership. Originally from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Krammes was a two-time All-American in the javelin at East Stroudsburg University. He now serves as the head coach at East Stroudsburg South High School, where he also teaches 11th-grade American History. In addition to his high school coaching role, he co-founded The Javelin Factory Track and Field Club, where he has developed numerous state and national champions, many of whom have continued their success at the collegiate and post-collegiate levels. Krammes’ influence extends beyond individual coaching—he is the meet director for the NSAF American JavFest and has been a key figure in the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF) since 2011. Through Project Gold Javelin, he has worked tirelessly to help young throwers compete at the highest levels, providing them with the training and mentorship needed to succeed. As a Nike Elite Project Manager, he is committed to equipping athletes with the resources, guidance, and opportunities necessary for growth, both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy centers around building a strong, supportive community where athletes are empowered to push their limits. Krammes takes immense pride in fostering dedication, perseverance, and a championship mindset among his athletes. His work with NSAF has been especially fulfilling, as he thrives on seeing young throwers achieve their dreams while collaborating with like-minded individuals who believe in the limitless potential of student-athletes. With his deep-rooted passion for coaching, teaching, and athlete development, Barry Krammes continues to be a driving force in track and field, shaping future champions and instilling values that extend far beyond competition. Stephanie Brown Trafton - Throws Program Manager Olympic Champion, Mentor, and Coach
Contact: Stephanie.trafton@ Stephanie Brown Trafton is an Olympic gold medalist, mentor, and coach dedicated to developing the next generation of throwers. She made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by winning the gold medal in the discus throw, becoming the first U.S. woman to claim victory in the event since 1932. Her career as an elite athlete, combined with her passion for coaching and mentorship, has made her a transformative figure in track and field. A multi-sport standout at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Brown Trafton transitioned into a dominant force in the discus, competing in three Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012) and multiple World Championships. She set the American record in the discus and remains one of the most accomplished throwers in U.S. history. Since retiring from elite competition, she has dedicated her time to coaching and mentoring young athletes, sharing her extensive knowledge of throwing mechanics, strength training, and the mental discipline required for success. Brown Trafton has played a significant role in the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF), where she helps develop and mentor high school throwers. Her contributions to NSAF events include providing elite-level coaching to rising talent, sharing her Olympic experience to educate and inspire young athletes, and guiding them on their journey from high school to collegiate and elite-level competition. She is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and empowering young throwers to reach their full potential both on and off the field. Beyond her Olympic success, Brown Trafton finds immense fulfillment in mentoring young athletes, helping them build confidence, develop discipline, and strive for greatness. Through her work with NSAF, she continues to shape the future of U.S. throwing, ensuring that the next generation has the tools and guidance needed to succeed. Her dedication to the sport, passion for coaching, and history-making achievements make Stephanie Brown Trafton an invaluable leader in track and field. Macka Jones- Jumps Program Manager Jumps Specialist, Coach, and Educator
Contact: Macka.jones@ Macka Jones is a highly respected coach and mentor with a deep passion for developing young athletes in the triple jump. With decades of experience coaching elite-level jumpers, he has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of numerous high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. His dedication to the sport and his expertise in technical development have made him one of the most influential figures in U.S. triple jumping. Jones has been a key figure in the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF), particularly through Project Triple Jump—an initiative designed to identify and develop the nation’s top young triple jumpers. His role includes providing world-class coaching, refining athletes’ technical skills, enhancing their strength and mental preparation, and guiding them through their transition from high school to collegiate and elite-level competition. Under his mentorship, his athletes have achieved national and international success, a testament to his expert coaching and athlete development strategies. Believing in a holistic approach to training, Jones emphasizes technique, discipline, and mental toughness to help young jumpers maximize their potential. His coaching philosophy focuses not only on athletic excellence but also on building confidence and fostering long-term success in track and field. Through his unwavering commitment to NSAF and his mentorship of rising athletes, Jones has been instrumental in shaping the future of U.S. triple jumping. His dedication to developing world-class competitors ensures that young athletes have the resources, knowledge, and support needed to reach the highest levels of competition. Macka Jones continues to be a driving force in the sport, leaving a lasting impact on generations of triple jumpers. Lynnika Pitts -Jumps Program Manager Jumps Specialist, Coach, and Mentor
Lynnika Pitts is a respected coach, mentor, and former elite jumper dedicated to developing the next generation of track and field athletes. A former U.S. Olympic Trials competitor in the triple jump, she has transformed her passion for the sport into a career focused on coaching and mentorship, helping young athletes reach their full potential. Pitts competed at the highest levels of track and field, earning recognition as a top-tier triple jumper. Her experience as a high-level competitor provides her with unique insight into the technical, mental, and physical demands of elite jumping. Transitioning into coaching, she has worked extensively with high school and collegiate athletes, helping them refine their skills and achieve success at both national and international levels. As a key figure in the NSAF Nike Elite Program, Pitts plays a vital role in identifying and developing top high school talent. She provides elite-level coaching, mentors athletes as they transition from high school to collegiate and elite competition, and shares her own experiences as an Olympic Trials competitor to help young jumpers prepare for the highest levels of competition. Through her technical expertise and guidance, she instills confidence in her athletes, helping them refine their technique and develop the mindset needed for success. Pitts believes in empowering young athletes through discipline, hard work, and a strong support system. She is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and dedication, ensuring that student-athletes maximize their potential both on and off the track. Her experience as a competitor and coach, combined with her work with NSAF and the Nike Elite Program, makes her a valuable leader in the world of jumps coaching. Through her dedication and passion, Lynnika Pitts continues to shape the future of U.S. track and field, providing young athletes with the resources and mentorship they need to thrive. Dr. Margaret Ottley - Sports Psychologist Olympian, Professor, and Mentor Dr. Margaret Ottley is a Professor of Sport & Exercise Psychology at West Chester University (WCU) and a former Clinical Assistant Professor at Denver University, Denver, CO. She received her Ph.D. and MA degrees from Temple University in Sport & Exercise Psychology, a second MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WCU), and a BA degree from Spelman College in Child Development & Family Studies. She completed her post-doctoral training at Purdue University, focusing on Curriculum and Instruction in physical education. She is the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) 2022 Coleman Griffith Awardee and keynote speaker. Colman Griffith is considered the Father of North American Sport Psychology. Her lecture was titled, "Ain't I A Legend - A Story for SanKofa and the Comfort Zone." She is also an AASP-Fellow and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Dr. Ottley is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Head of the WCU Athletic Department's Mental Performance Program. Presently, Dr. Ottley is the mental performance Consultant for the Nike Elite Program for high school athletes. Dr. Ottley competed in field hockey at Caribbean regional and international levels for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (RTT) for a period in excess of 14 years. She is the founder and Chair of SanKofa HP (HyPower Performance - Head In The Game) LLC, which provides culturally specific mental performance training to a diverse number of athletes and sport practitioners. As the Anglo-Caribbean’s first sport psychology consultant, Dr. Ottley was commissioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Sports (2009-2013), to implement two 3-year national sport psychology programs for sport administrators, coaches, and elite athletes. In 2008. Dr Ottley also served on the medical staff as the sport psychology consultant for USA Track and Field’s Beijing Olympic team. She also served USATF at other international games—world youth, world juniors and Pan Am Junior Games (2005-2008; 2017/2019). For the RTT, Dr Ottley traveled to three Olympics in 2004, 2012 and 2016. She also worked with TT’s national women’s soccer (CONCACAF and World Cup Qualifier) teams as well as the U-19 cricket teams. In addition, Dr. Ottley is also the mental performance and wellness consultant for the National Scholastics Athletic Foundation’s (NSAF) track and field events, the National Indoor and Outdoor Youth Championships (2007-present), Caribbean Invitational Scholastic Games, javelin and triple jump projects in the US and Cuba. She is on the board of the Black Women in Sport Foundation (BWSF) and co-author of the companion Mentoring Manual for the highly acclaimed BWSF’s Amazing Grace documentary, Amazing Grace - Black Women in Sport. In 2016, she had the honor of working on DOVE’s “My Beauty My Say” campaign as the mental performance consultant.
Dr. Rob Jones - Medical Team Lead Orthopedic Surgeon, Board member, and Sports Medicine Expert Dr. Jones has been a member of the NSAF Board of Directors since 1998. During his tenure, Dr. Jones has developed and led a multidisciplinary medical team composed of MD’s, Athletic trainers, Sports Massage Therapists and Chiropractors. Dr. Jones, a Tennessee native, graduated from Emory University’s School of medicine and completed his Orthopaedic training at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Always invested in sport, he has served as team physician for a number of high schools, colleges and professional sporting organizations including SouthEast Raleigh HS, Leesville Road HS, Campbell University, Carolina Cobras Arena Football, the North Carolina Ballet and USA Baseball. Dr. Jones was a varsity letterman pole-vaulter at UNC Chapel Hill, and made the decision to pursue medicine after a pole-vaulting accident abruptly ended his athletic career. Dr. Jones is an Orthopaedic Surgeon with Impact Orthopaedics, PA, a Sports Medicine Private Practice in Raleigh NC. He is an avid tri-athlete, marathoner and high school track and field enthusiast. Ricky Quintana - Content Manager Journalist, Storyteller, and Statistician Ricky Quintana is a respected journalist and storyteller in the world of track and field, known for his in-depth coverage of athletes, races, and the evolving landscape of the sport. With a passion for distance running and a keen eye for detail, Quintana has built a reputation for delivering insightful analysis, compelling interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring the sport to life. Over the years, he has covered high school, collegiate, and professional track and field, following the careers of some of the sport’s biggest names. His reporting often highlights the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of athletes, providing fans with a deeper understanding of their journeys. Quintana is a correspondent for Track and Field News. His work has been featured across various media outlets, where his expertise and storytelling ability continue to shape the way audiences engage with track and field. Whether covering championship meets, Olympic hopefuls, or rising stars, his writing captures the essence of the sport and the people who define it. Tiara Williams - Social Media Manager Content Creator, Storyteller, and Host Tiara Williams is a dynamic content creator, host, and former track and field athlete who has become a leading voice in the sport. With her engaging personality and deep understanding of track and field, she has built a platform that highlights the stories of athletes, coaches, and major events in an entertaining and insightful way. A former collegiate heptathlete, Williams transitioned from competition to media, using her firsthand experience to bring fresh perspectives to track and field coverage. Through interviews, behind-the-scenes access, and creative storytelling, she connects fans with the sport’s biggest stars and rising talents. |
