News Summary
Vanderbilt University has promoted Justin Byron to associate head coach of its cross country and track and field team. His contributions to the program have been significant, leading to numerous NCAA qualifiers and All-America selections. Byron’s experience includes coaching successes at Cornell University and a strong track record at the high school level, showcasing his commitment to elevating the performance of Vanderbilt athletes as they prepare for SEC and NCAA competitions.
Nashville, Tennessee
Justin Byron has been promoted to associate head coach of the Vanderbilt cross country and track and field team, a move announced by Althea Thomas, the program’s director. This promotion reflects Byron’s significant contributions and continued commitment to enhancing the team’s performance in SEC and NCAA competitions.
Serving as an assistant coach for jumps and multi-event athletes, recruiting coordinator, and director of player development, Byron’s four-year tenure at Vanderbilt has been marked by remarkable results. He has successfully produced five NCAA qualifiers, including standout athlete Beatrice Juskeviciute, who became the 2023 NCAA runner-up and SEC champion in the heptathlon.
Achievements Under Byron’s Coaching
Byron’s coaching prowess has also led to four All-America selections and significant program achievements, with Vanderbilt athletes breaking two school records and achieving 24 top 10 program performances during the 2025 indoor and outdoor seasons. Specifically, the 60- and 100-meter hurdles squads, which Byron led, ranked in the top 5 of the USTFCCCA Event Squad rankings as the team approached the conference championships.
One of Byron’s notable protégés, Falon Spearman, broke school records in both the 60- and 100-meter hurdles and advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships this year. Furthermore, all four athletes he coached competed in the quarterfinals of the 100- and 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA East First Round.
Previous Experience
Before joining Vanderbilt, Byron was the associate head coach at Cornell University from 2019 to 2021. There, he guided a team that produced two All-Americans, set five school records, and secured 19 placements on the all-time top 10 lists. His coaching success at Cornell also included mentoring Juskeviciute to three conference titles in the heptathlon.
Byron’s coaching journey spans various roles, including serving as head coach at Nansemond River High School and as an assistant at North Carolina A&T. He founded the 5 Star Track Program, a youth track and field club, which achieved three AAU National Club Championships and maintained high graduation and college enrollment rates among participants.
Acknowledgments and Academic Background
An accomplished athlete and coach, Byron has received several accolades, including being named the Virginia High School League Girls Indoor and Outdoor Coach of the Year multiple times. He was also a five-time all-academic selection at North Carolina A&T and a seven-time conference champion, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in both indoor and outdoor 200 and 400 meters.
Byron holds a master’s degree in recreation and sports science from Ohio University and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s in business finance from North Carolina A&T. As he steps into this enhanced role at Vanderbilt, Byron is poised to further elevate the program and continue its strong tradition of success in collegiate athletics.
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Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Byron Promoted
- Wikipedia: Vanderbilt University
- Sports Illustrated: Vanderbilt Men’s XC and Track Find New Associate Head Coach
- Google Search: Vanderbilt University cross country track team
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Byron Joins Dores
- Google Scholar: Justin Byron track and field
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Olympic Aspirations and Lifelong Lessons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Track and Field
- TD Alabama: Byron Young Pregame Meal with Nick Saban
- Google News: Byron Young Nick Saban
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Schedule Set for 2122 Women’s Track
Author: HERE Nashville
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