Caymanian sprinter Davonte Howell has committed to the University of Tennessee and will begin his freshman year in late summer – a move applauded by his hometown coach Tyrone Yen.
Yen, the head coach of Mustang Track Club, told the Compass that he was pleased with Howell’s decision to become a UT Volunteer, after finishing his time at IMG Academy.
“When it comes down to signing, it’s not an easy task, especially when you have multiple universities reaching out,” Yen said. “With Davonte signing with Tennessee, an NCAA Division I school… I think [he and his parents] made the right choice.”
Currently, two of Cayman’s elite athletes attend the University of Tennessee – inaugural Caribbean Games gold medalist Rasheem Brown and world champion swimmer Jordan Crooks.
Howell, 17, has now added his name to the list of historic finishes, as the first Caymanian male to win gold in the 100-metre dash at the CARIFTA Games.
Yen said the move could catapult his former athlete – whose personal best stands at 10.26 seconds – to stardom.
“He came through the ranks and has won a lot of meets locally and internationally and you can see the spinoff from CARIFTA,” Yen said. “If he continues to train hard, I do believe within the next few years we will see great things from him.
“He could possibly go to the Olympics next year or the coming years, but I know he will make the Cayman Islands proud either way.”
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My daughter, grandson, and granddaughter are all graduates of the University of Tennessee. My daughter sends this for forwarding on to you:
“Welcome aboard young Caymanian! You’re now a Vol For Life! Probably won’t like the winters though. 🤣”