THE HILL | Speed tells part of Laila Gaynor's story, but it doesn't tell all of it.

One of the fastest athletes to come through Alabama A&M's track & field program, Gaynor has built a career defined not just by times and titles, but by consistency, growth, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.

From her early days transitioning into a sprinter to becoming one of the top 400-meter runners in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Gaynor's journey has been one of steady elevation, each season faster than the last.

Gaynor etched her name into the program's history books with standout performances across multiple events. She owns elite marks in the 100m (11.92), 200m (23.51), and 400m (53.08), while playing a key role in the Lady Bulldogs' 4x400-meter relay success. 

Her dominance was on full display at the SWAC Outdoor Championships, where she captured gold in the 400m with a time of 53.39 and helped lead Alabama A&M to a first-place finish in the 4x400 relay. Gaynor also qualified in the NCAA East First Round competition finishing 37th overall. 

But Gaynor's impact goes beyond championship moments. Off the track, Gaynor carries herself with the same discipline.

While producing strong athletic abilities on the track, Gaynor also exudes even stronger academic abilities in the classroom as a senior Psychology major. 

Gaynor was recognized for her academic achievements at Honors Convocation receiving the Presidents Silver Medallion, Kenneth Gunn Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award and holding a place on the Dean's List. 

"You can't allow your mind or emotions to control you, sometimes I have to realize that I'm stronger than my mind," Gaynot says as she discusses how to apply what she learns in the classroom to her performances on the track. 

Balancing the demands of being a Division I student-athlete, she understands that her journey is about more than medals. It's about building something that lasts beyond her time at Alabama A&M.

"It's an honor to be a student-athlete here at Alabama A&M because of all of the history created here. Being able to carry the torch and do it with excellence has been great, especially at an institution where we highlight excellence." 

NEXT UP 

Track and Field will be on the road to compete at the Georgia Tech Invitational on Friday, April 17th through Saturday, April 18th in Atlanta, Ga.