In previous years, Yates High School senior Madison Sweezer has represented her school solo at the UIL 4A state track meet. This time, however, she was accompanied by a familiar face—her cousin, Lamar Smith, who made his debut in the 800 meters.
“I was extremely happy that I got to share such a proud moment with him and that I wouldn’t be going to Austin alone this time,” said Madison. “Seeing him secure his spot in the 800 meters at the Regional meet motivated me to do the same in my events.”
Madison’s mother, LaKeisha Shunta Bobb-Sweezer and Lamar’s mother, LaKeyshia LaSha Williams Smith, are cousins who also ran track at Yates High School.
“They’re first cousins and we are second cousins,” said Madison. “Both our moms ran track and my mom (LaKeisha Shunta Bobb-Sweezer) also played soccer while attending Yates.”
Although Lamar didn’t medal in his debut, Madison earned her first silver medal in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.69 seconds. This was Madison’s second appearance at the state meet and the first time she returned home with a medal.
“It felt great to have the opportunity to stand on the podium in my final season of high school track, especially after battling injuries for two years,” said Madison.
While Lamar would have liked to have placed, it also meant a lot just making it to state.
Making it to the state meet this year was an incredible feeling mixed with excitement, pride and nervous energy from the ups and downs throughout the season.
Lamar Smith
“Making it to the state meet this year was an incredible feeling mixed with excitement, pride and nervous energy from the ups and downs throughout the season,” said Lamar. “Racing against the top seven in Texas was intense, much higher than anything I’d experienced before. It pushed me to perform at my absolute best while teaching me how to focus, prepare and stay mentally strong.”
While Madison and Lamar were the only family members to represent Jack Yates at the state track meet, they weren’t the only ones in their family competing this season.
Yates junior Dakota Sweezer, the younger sister of Madison, competed this season in the 100-meter hurdles and the triple jump. Freshman Karneshia Smith, Lamar’s younger sister, represented Yates in the 800 meters and the 4×400-meter relay.
Both Dakota and Karneshia advanced to the regional meet, where they demonstrated their talent before wrapping up their seasons. At regionals, Dakota recorded a mark of 35 feet, 3.75 inches in the triple jump.
“Seeing the success I’ve had, along with my sister’s accomplishments, inspires me to continue working hard to be the best version of myself while carrying on the legacy,” said Dakota.
“My sister is an incredible athlete with so much potential, but sometimes she struggles with confidence in her own abilities,” said Madison. “I’ve faced my own battles with doubt and negativity, but I hope she sees that in me as a reminder that staying focused pays off. I believe in her.”
Following in her brother’s footsteps, Karnesha ran 2:33.10 in the 800 meters at Regionals.
“Defying the odds, proving my potential and making it to regionals as a freshman is just the beginning,” said Karneshia. “I’ve learned a lot from my brother about running the 800-meter race. He’s taught me the importance of setting a strong pace early and maintaining it before pushing hard in the last 200 meters.”
Karneshia, who also serves as the point guard for the Yates girls’ varsity basketball team, is a standout athlete with exceptional potential. As a freshman, she earned First Team All-District honors and was named Co-Freshman of the Year in District 20-4A, Region III.
“My sister is an amazing athlete who owns the court and rules the track from fast breaks to the 800 meters,” said Lamar. “She gives her all with strength, heart and unstoppable drive. She is a true athlete in every stride and shot.”
There’s no doubt that athleticism has followed this family, but so has intelligence.
Madison holds a weighted GPA of 4.51 and an unweighted GPA of 3.99. She will attend the University of Houston on both track and academic scholarships, where she plans to study Biology with aspirations of becoming a neurologist. Her sister Dakota has a weighted GPA of 4.3 and an unweighted GPA of 3.8. Both Madison and Dakota are currently ranked first in their class. Lamar carries a weighted GPA of 3.5, while his sister Karneshia has a weighted GPA of 3.6.
The athletic legacy of the Sweezer and Smith families is set to continue for years to come. Karneshia will return as a sophomore next season, while both Lamar and Dakota will be entering their senior years.
About Madison Sweezer:
Class: 2025
IG: @madiisonbrooke_
Twitter: @maddiesweezer
Events: 100 meters, 400 meters, 300-meter hurdles
Height & weight: 5-feet-5, 130 pounds
Favorite artists: Fred Hammond and Hezekiah Walker
Status: Committed to the University of Houston
Favorite subjects: Math and social studies
Shout-outs: God, Parents, family, Coach Ronnie, Coach Meyers, Coach Graylen, Coach Tim, Coach Lavon, Coach Arte’, Coach LaTeresa, Coach Ashley, and all of my coaches at the Wings Track Club
About Dakota Sweezer:
Class: 2026
IG: @hername_kota
Twitter: @kotasweezer2026
Events: 100-meter hurdles, triple jump
Height & weight: 5-feet-3, 125 pounds
Favorite artist: Future
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: Mom, sister, Coach Ronnie, Coach Meyers, Coach Graylen, Coach LaTeresa, the 369 sports and fitness team, Coach Walker
About Lamar Smith Jr:
Class: 2026
IG: @6.2shifty
Twitter: @Lamarsmithjr3
Events: 800 meters, 400 meters, 4×400-meter relay
Height & weight: 5-feet-9, 151 pounds
Favorite artist: Raq baby
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: History
Shout-outs: Mom, dad, sisters, brothers and my teammates
About Karneshia Smith:
Class: 2028
IG: @d1_kk3
Twitter: @d1_kk3
Events: 800 meters, 4×400-meter relay
Height & weight: 5-feet-5, 125.2 pounds
Favorite artist: Rod Wave
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: my family
