Mikayla Hayes, a junior transfer from the University of Oklahoma, has quickly made her mark as a sprinter at TCU after claiming the second-fastest time in school history.

Hayes made a remarkable debut for the Frogs at the Corky Classic 12 in Lubbock with a time of 2:23.17.

“Knowing that I started off at a good point feels great,” said Hayes. “But also knowing I have so much more work to do with this being my first meet is motivating.”

Hayes was born and raised in Fort Worth, so coming to TCU to compete with the Frogs in her third collegiate season in track and field was a homecoming.

She was a standout athlete from the beginning of her career at Oklahoma, earning herself an All-American mention as a freshman member of the 18th-place 4×100 team and All-American Honors as a sophomore member of the 4×100 team for the Sooners.

Hayes specializes in sprints, finding her relationship with sprints Coach Edgar, leading her to TCU.

“If it wasn’t for my coach, I wouldn’t be here.” Hayes said. “He really cares for the athletes, outside of track and really focusing on our mental.”

Edgar has been a steadfast source of support for track and field athletes at TCU, particularly sprinters, underscoring the significance of excelling not only in competition but also in academic and personal endeavors.

The transition to Fort Worth life has been nothing short of easy, but rewarding for Hayes.

“I transferred in the middle of the season, so it was not the most easy transition,” Hayes reflected. “But coming back to my hometown where I know my family and friends will support me has been a huge blessing.”

Athletic staff and coaches within track and field have made this transition seamless for Hayes as she adjusts to life at TCU.

Transitioning between schools can pose challenges for college athletes, but Hayes appears to confront this hurdle directly amid a busy indoor season.

“The family atmosphere that I get from TCU is like nothing I have experienced and I am forever grateful for it,” said Hayes.