The Fort Bend Marshall girls’ track team is headed back to the UIL 5A State track meet after dominating the Region III meet with 74 points and reclaiming the regional crown for the first time since its back-to-back 5A State title wins in 2021 and 2022.
With three relay teams qualifying and two individuals advancing through the wild card, the Buffs are back on a mission.
We’re back again in 2025 and chasing another championship this year.
Shahira Ehiemua, head coach
“We’re back again in 2025 and chasing another championship this year,” said head coach Shahira Ehiemua, who leads a program built on discipline, heart and a culture of relentless effort.
Marshall’s 4×100-meter relay team—Phoenix Glover, Amira Mopkins, Megan Thomas and Dior Williams—secured a state berth after finishing second with a 46.14 time, narrowly behind Iowa Colony’s 46.11.
In the 4×200-meter relay, Glover, Jasmine Harris, Thomas and Williams claimed gold with a time of 1:38.05, continuing a season-long trend of improvement and dominance.
The 4×400-meter relay team—Corie Wilmington, Thomas, Alaya Stewart and Brianna Brinkley—also finished second, clocking in at 3:46.13, just behind Iowa Colony’s 3:45.11.
Dior Williams, a senior, ran 13.79 in the 100-meter hurdles while Corie Wilmington, a sophomore, ran 44.05 in the 300-meter hurdles. Williams and Wilmington placed third in their respective events, leaving their hopes of advancing to the UIL State Championship in the hands of the wild card selection.
“When they crossed the line as 1 and 2, I felt heartbroken,” said Williams. “I worked so hard to get to the Regional meet, finishing third and only having a 50/50 chance of making it to the state meet didn’t feel pleasing.”
Williams and Wilmington ultimately earned a wild card bid to keep their seasons alive and advance to the state meet in Austin, Texas.
“I was soooo happy, I immediately thanked God,” said Williams. “I felt blessed because I definitely thought I deserved to be there, running in Austin.”
The Marshall relay teams are fast, with personal record bests of 46.05 in the 4×100-meter relay, 1:37.61 in the 4×200-meter relay, and 3:46.13 in the 4×400-meter relay. However, it’s not just talent that propels them—it’s the culture.
“Our coaches are very motivating,” said Thomas. “They love the competition we bring every day. As we push each other, we prepare each other at the highest level.”
“Effort is never up for discussion—it’s expected,” said Ehiemua. “Our athletes give 100% every single day, whether they’re on the track or in the weight room.”
That mindset is embedded in the program’s DNA, with coaches who all share track backgrounds and a passion for developing young athletes.
“I believe iron sharpens iron,” Ehiemua said. “You have to compete against your teammates in practice before you can compete against anyone else. We’re built on work and heart, not talent. We choose toughness over talent every time.”
“During practice, we all have a mindset to be the best we can be,” said Glover. “Having that determination to get through practice, we uplift each other by speaking positively and going all out.”
That toughness has brought them back to the UIL 5A State track meet, with momentum and pride fueling their journey.
“As a proud Marshall alum, I know firsthand what it means to represent the black and gold,” Ehiemua added. “I understand the pride, hard work and dedication it takes to stay on top.”
