California Collegiate Athletics Association

Olympic Gold Medalist Sherri Howard got her start wearing the Gold & Black for the Golden Eagles before donning the Stars & Stripes in multiple Olympic Games for the USA.
 
Howard competed for Cal State LA in 1984 and 1985 while at the same time representing her country on the national stage. During the 1984 season, Howard moved into the top 10 in Cal State LA's record books in four events; the 100m (11.24), 200m (22.97), 400m (50.40), and 800m (2:09.6). Her time of 50.40 in the 400m still stands at the top of the record book today, as does her time of 3:30.25 in the 4x400m relay (1985). Howard would also capture an NCAA Division I Championship in the 400m with a time of 50.95 in 1985.
 
While all this was happening at Cal State LA, Howard was also making a name for herself, representing her country on the national stage. She competed in Olympic Trials starting at age 16 in 1980 and was selected to the USA teams in 1984 and 1988. Howard captured gold in the 4x400m relay at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, setting an Olympic record time of 3:18.29. Howard was also honored in 1985 with the prestigious Southland Olympia Award, presented to athletes in the 31 summer and winter Olympic sports with extraordinary achievements in athletics, scholarship, and leadership.
 
The Sherman, Texas native returned to the Olympics in 1988 and took home the silver in the 4x400m relay. Howard was also a US National Champion, winning the title in the 400m in 1980.
 
Howard's success on the national stage garnered her opportunities off the track. She appeared in numerous Hollywood productions, including The Scorpion King and Criminal Minds.