Clemson University’s track and field program continues to shine on the national stage, and the accolades are following. Director of Track and Field Mark Elliott has been named the ACC Women’s Indoor Coach of the Year, while standout newcomer Aniyah Kitt has been recognized as the ACC Women’s Indoor Freshman of the Year, the conference office announced on Friday.

Elliott’s honour comes on the heels of a remarkable season that saw the Clemson women capture their first ACC Indoor Championship title since 2015. Under his guidance, the Tigers spent every week of the indoor season ranked in the national top 25, climbing as high as No. 3. Elliott previously earned this coaching accolade in 2015, making this his second time receiving the prestigious recognition.

The team’s success was driven by standout performances across the board, including three individual ACC champions, four silver medalists, and two bronze medalists. Elliott’s squad also shattered school records in the women’s mile and distance medley relay and sent five athletes to the NCAA Indoor Championships. Among them, Oneka Wilson and Shantae Foreman earned First Team All-American honours, while Aniyah Kitt, Gladys Chepngetich, and Judy Kosgei were named Second Team All-Americans.

Kitt, who has been sensational in her debut season, became a cornerstone of the team’s indoor campaign. The freshman sprint star set a school record in the 300 metres in her first meet and quickly etched her name into the Clemson record books in the 60m, 200m, and 4x400m relay.

At the ACC Indoor Championships, Kitt claimed gold in the 200 metres, silver in the 60 metres, and was named the ACC Women’s Track and Field MVP for her instrumental role in delivering the title to the Tigers.

Kitt’s form continued on the national level, where she qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 60m, finishing 11th overall and securing Second Team All-American status.

Her award also marks the second straight year a Clemson athlete has been named ACC Women’s Indoor Freshman of the Year, following Chepngetich’s win in 2024—another reflection of the program’s growing depth and consistency under Elliott’s leadership.

Elliott also picked up additional recognition as the USTFCCCA Southeast Region Women’s Coach of the Year, cementing his status as one of the most respected coaches in collegiate track and field.