Methodist University Athletics

The first national champion to don a Methodist uniform, Karen Grant excelled as a jumper and sprinter for the Monarchs in track and field during the 1985-86 and 1986-87 campaigns. She competed for Methodist for two seasons following a two-year stint at the University of Nebraska.

Between indoor and outdoor competition, Grant was a four-time national champion in the triple jump and a three-time national runner-up in the long jump. She also earned top five finishes in the 55-meter dash and the 100-meter dash on her way to becoming a nine-time NCAA Division III All-American -- a feat unparalleled in Methodist history. The Monarchs’ only four-time national champion in any sport, Grant formerly held two NCAA D-III national records and set five Methodist College records, two of which still stand.

Grant later served a lengthy tenure coaching jumpers for Sumter (S.C.) High School’s men’s and women’s track and field teams. Her many coaching successes include eventual NCAA Division I national champion triple jumper Nicole Gamble and national scholastic champion long jumper Maurice Engle.