Jamaican sprint sensation Brianna Lyston, the 2022 World U20 200m champion, has officially ended her collegiate career at Louisiana State University, opting to turn professional after a string of injuries curtailed her development in the NCAA.
The 20-year-old 2024 SEC 60m champion, confirmed her decision in a letter sent to LSU Head Coach Dennis Shaver on Sunday, signalling the end of a brief but highly anticipated stint in Baton Rouge.
“She hasn’t run at all this outdoor season because she was slightly injured at the NCAA Indoors,” Shaver told Sportsmax.TV. “And it’s my understanding that she has decided to forgo her collegiate eligibility and that she’s going to turn professional.”
Lyston arrived at LSU in 2022 following a standout high school career at Hydel High School in Jamaica, and after claiming gold in the 200m at the World U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia in 2022. That year, she clocked a lifetime best of 22.53 seconds, making her one of the brightest young prospects in global sprinting.
But recurring injuries stalled her momentum. And while Shaver made it clear that he supports her decision, his remarks hinted that Lyston may no longer fit into his current professional training group.
“She hasn’t discussed any of that with me,” he said when asked whether he would coach her as a pro. “But what I would say is that I think it’s in her best interest to move on and seek out another environment, another coach.”
He continued, “Obviously I’d love to be able to coach her as a professional, but the reality of it is that I have a very good training group here now that takes care of business with Favour Ofili, Vernon Norwood, Aleia Hobbs, and Mikiah Briscoe—and you know, they’re very durable and dependable athletes for competition. I love coaching them.”
That statement suggests Shaver may be wary of adding another injury-prone athlete to a group built around consistent, elite performers. Still, he emphasized that Lyston’s well-being—both athletically and academically—remains his top priority.
“My main thing is that she graduates from here,” he said. “That’s my main concern. I want her to get her degree and I want her to do whatever she thinks is going to be best for her. If it’s staying here, great. If it’s moving, I’ll support any decision she makes.”
Lyston’s next destination remains unknown, and Shaver admitted he does not know who her agent is or what training setup she intends to join. But her transition to the professional ranks marks a significant turning point in a career that once promised stardom on the junior circuit.
Reflecting on his time coaching Lyston and other Jamaicans, Shaver expressed nothing but admiration.
“Every Jamaican athlete I’ve ever coached—no matter where I was—it’s always been an outstanding experience, working with great, hard-working kids,” he said. “We love the Jamaicans. That’s all I can say.”
As Lyston turns the page on her collegiate career, the track world will be watching to see whether the young star can rediscover her rhythm and rise again—this time on the professional stage.