After transferring from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the fall of 2023, junior sprinter Kashie Crockett knew that making the transition to TCU was not going to be easy.

On Feb. 1, Crockett was named TCU’s Scholar Athlete of the Month, right before he ran the 200 meters in the New Mexico Collegiate Classic.

“I didn’t think I was going to get it, because there are a lot of smart people here,” Crockett said. “It was just good to feel all my hard work was being recognized.”

Crockett had to adjust to the academic rigor of in-person classes, as his mindset was acclimated to self-paced online classes. Still, he didn’t let his new university and environment slow him down – athletically or academically.

“I put in the work,” Crockett said. “I started studying every day, doing homework every day, going to class and I started being able to put forth that focus on school that I do towards track.”

Crockett said he was surprised by the academic and athletic support from coaches and faculty at TCU, which he did not have before.

“In Louisiana you have to work with yourself, and it is always strictly grind,” Crockett said. “Whereas here there is actually help and people do anything you need them to do, it is not like you have to do it on your own.”

Tyrone Edgar, TCU’s sprints coach and recruiting coordinator, has been a major part of Crockett’s support system.

“I can trust him to get me where I need to be and to him, I’m also an actual person and even a friend,” Crockett said. “I can talk to him about anything and everything.”

Crockett feels a special connection to Edgar because of his experience in the professional field. Not only does Edgar care for Crockett like a friend, he also provides a level of intensity that comes from his time in the professional track and field arena.

“My past coach at Louisiana is the sweetest person ever, but sometimes he was too nice,” Crockett said. “Coach Edgar– he’s nice but he’s real. If you’re running slow, he will tell you.”

Crockett knows that with this personal training from Edgar, he can achieve his goal of being a professional sprinter.

At the New Mexico meet, Crockett competed in a heat alone, as his previous times had not transferred from his old university. He ran a 20.71 in the meet, beating his best indoor and outdoor times for the 200 meters.

Crockett said he hopes this sets the stage for nationals in May. Currently, he is ranked No. 21 nationally and needs to be in the top 16 to qualify.

Crockett said he is aiming for a 20.58 in the 200 meters by end of season, but his coach is pushing him to do better.

On Feb. 10, Crockett proved himself in Lubbock at the Jarvis Scott Open, placing second in the 200m with a personal-best time of 20.68, the fifth fastest indoor time in program history.

“If I can run that, he’ll be happy. But coach believes I can hit 20.51 and is pushing me towards it,” Crockett said.

Having previously thought he would did not have the ability to “go pro,” Crockett now believes that with the caliber he is running at TCU, going professional is a serious possibility.

“What I am running now is pretty good,” Crockett said. “So, if I continue at this level, I believe going pro is in my future.”