Year: 2025
Award: Joan Birkland Leadership Award
Location/Affiliation: University of Georgia
Three-time National Championship Coach
Caryl Smith Gilbert’s career reflects a lifetime of setting the pace in track and field, both as an elite athlete and as one of the most accomplished coaches in the sport. A Denver native and George Washington High School alum, Caryl has long been a part of the Sportswomen of Colorado community, earning recognition as a standout high school sprinter and later as a national championship Coach of the Year. Her success continued at the University of Georgia, where she was named Director of Men’s and Women’s Track and Field in 2021 and became the first woman to serve as head coach of a Georgia men’s team. Under her leadership, the Georgia women captured the 2025 NCAA Outdoor National Championship, marking the third national title of her head coaching career. Before her coaching success, Caryl built an impressive competitive résumé as a World Junior silver medalist, multi-time state champion, UCLA All-American, and NCAA runner-up in the 4×400 relay. She also returned to her roots early in her career, serving as head coach at George Washington High School before rising through the collegiate ranks. A respected leader across the sport, Caryl recently completed her tenure as President of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. For her lasting impact, leadership, and commitment to advancing women in sport, Caryl Smith Gilbert is honored with the Joan Birkland Leadership Award.
