Honestly, if you're looking for the heart of Virginia Commonwealth University track and field, don’t look at the record boards first. Look at the mud. Look at the late-night sessions at Sports Backers Stadium. This program isn't just about fast times; it's about a specific kind of Richmond grit that has turned the Rams into an absolute powerhouse in the Atlantic 10.
VCU track isn't some legacy program that’s been coasting for fifty years. It’s a rising tide.
Why the A-10 is Terrified of the Rams
Let’s talk about the women’s team. They aren't just winning; they’re dominating. In early 2024, they secured their fourth straight A-10 Indoor Championship. They didn’t just squeak by, either—they put up 135 points, leaving the rest of the conference in the rearview.
Jon Riley, the guy steering the ship, has picked up A-10 Coach of the Year honors so many times (seven and counting) that he probably needs a dedicated shelf just for those trophies. But he’ll be the first to tell you it’s about the athletes.
Take Gudrun Hallgrímsdóttir.
She’s a biology major from Iceland who basically treats the VCU record book like a personal diary. In 2025, she didn't just break the school record in the hammer throw; she absolutely demolished the Icelandic national record with a 71.38-meter toss. Think about that for a second. A college kid in Richmond is currently the best hammer thrower her entire country has ever produced. She’s a five-time All-American, and if she isn't on your radar for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, you aren't paying attention.
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Then you have Eryn Byrd.
Byrd is a five-time A-10 shot put champion. She broke a 24-year conference record in 2024 with a mark of 16.22 meters. It’s that kind of consistency that makes VCU so hard to beat. They don't just have one star; they have a roster full of them.
The Men’s Team: New Faces, New Records
While the women’s side has been racking up titles, the men’s program is currently in a fascinating state of evolution. It’s younger, hungrier, and pulling in talent from places most schools aren't even looking.
Just recently, in January 2026, Troy McWilliams made his debut at the VCU Rams Indoor Invite. He’s a transfer from Norfolk State and a Newport News native. First meet out? He wins the weight throw with a 17.83m mark, immediately jumping into the VCU top-10 all-time list.
And keep an eye on Destiny Ese. He’s a freshman from Nigeria who’s already grabbing Rookie of the Week honors. He’s got a personal best in the long jump of 7.31m. When you mix local Virginia talent with elite international prospects, you get a culture that’s incredibly hard to replicate.
The Facilities Drama: The Athletic Village
If you follow Richmond news, you know the "Athletic Village" has been the talk of the town. For years, VCU has shared Sports Backers Stadium. It’s fine, but it’s not theirs.
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The plan is massive: a 42-acre compound in the Diamond District.
But, as with anything involving millions of dollars and city politics, there have been hiccups. As of late 2025, the project saw some downsizing due to rising construction costs. The seating capacity for the new track facility was trimmed from 1,500 to 1,000.
Does that matter?
In the short term, maybe. But the vision remains: a dedicated home for Virginia Commonwealth University track and field that includes an outdoor track, practice fields, and eventually an indoor field house. Moving off-campus allows the university to return real estate to academic needs while finally giving the track team a headquarters that matches their trophy case.
It’s Not Just About the Medals
You can’t talk about this program without mentioning the "uncommon" vibe VCU leans into. The track team is a reflection of Richmond itself—diverse, a bit unconventional, and highly academic.
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In 2025, the men’s team earned academic distinction from the USTFCCCA. We’re talking about a group of athletes where 86 individuals across the athletic department maintained a 4.0 GPA. They aren't just "dumb jocks." They’re future doctors, engineers, and researchers who happen to run 100 meters in under 11 seconds.
How to Follow the Action
If you’re trying to keep up with the Rams, the schedule is packed. They frequent meets like the Virginia Tech Invitational and the Liberty Open.
But if you want the real experience, you have to catch them at the A-10 Championships. That’s where the "Black and Gold" really shows out. Whether it's Lauryn Taylor torching the 100m sprint or the 4x100 relay team executing a perfect baton exchange, that’s where the legend of the program is written.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits
If you’re a local athlete or a die-hard fan, here is how you stay in the loop:
- Check the TFRRS Lists: If you want to see where the Rams rank nationally, don't rely on social media hype. Check the Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). It's the "Wall Street Journal" of track stats.
- Support the Athletic Village: The fundraising for the new facilities is ongoing. Private donations are what’s keeping the Diamond District project alive.
- Attend the Indoor Invite: VCU hosts its own indoor meets at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. It’s one of the fastest tracks on the East Coast and the best place to see these records fall in person.
- Watch the Transfers: VCU has become a "destination" for high-level transfers. Keep an eye on the portal announcements, as that’s how they’ve stayed competitive against bigger ACC and SEC schools.
The reality is that VCU track and field has moved past the "scrappy underdog" phase. They are the standard-bearers for the Atlantic 10. With a new stadium on the horizon and Olympic-caliber talent in the throwing rings, the program is positioned to be a national name for the next decade.
To see the current performance lists or support the move to the new Athletic Village, visit the official VCU Athletics site or follow the team's progress through the A-10 conference portal.