Methodist University Athletics

Head Coach Brian Slater was hired in August 2023. He comes to Methodist from Vermont State University Johnson, where he served as the head men's and women's track and field coach, as well as the assistant athletics director for diversity, equity and inclusion, and the sports information director. In addition to his head coaching duties with the track and field program, Slater serves as the assistant cross country coach.
 
Since the start of his coaching career, he has mentored 13 national qualifiers in both the NCAA and NAIA ranks, coached eight NCAA D-III New England Regional qualifiers, guided more than 20 individuals to conference champion honors, and led his teams to three conference team titles.

Under Coach Slater's guidance, Methodist University's track and field athletes have demonstrated significant progress in their performances. The Methodist men's and women's track and field teams have consistently improved their standings in the USA South Conference Championships, with several athletes achieving personal bests and earning podium finishes. Additionally, numerous athletes have been recognized on the USA South All-Conference teams for their outstanding performances in various events.

• Brandi Gardner: Gardner's exceptional performance throughout the season earned her a place on the 2023 All-Region list released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). 
• Jeremiah Freeman: Freeman had an outstanding season, culminating in being named the Field Athlete of the Meet at the USA South Indoor Track & Field Championships. He secured first place in the triple jump with a personal-best leap of 13.69 meters and earned third place in the long jump with a mark of 6.52 meters. 
• David Dennis: Dennis showcased his versatility by achieving second place in the long jump with a personal best of 6.80 meters and third place in the triple jump, marking 13.24 meters. 
• Micah McCorvey: McCorvey demonstrated his athletic prowess by finishing second in the triple jump with a personal best of 13.34 meters and earning another second-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.83 seconds. 
• Logan Wade: Wade exhibited exceptional speed, winning the 60-meter dash with a personal-best time of 6.98 seconds and securing second place in the 200-meter dash. 
• Tydrick Stewart: Stewart complimented Wade's performance by finishing second in the 60-meter dash and third in the 200-meter dash, contributing valuable points to the team's overall score. 
• Carland Jones: Jones achieved a second-place finish in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.90 meters, showcasing his talent in field events. 
• Rafael Shilengitha: Shilengitha earned a bronze medal in the 800-meter race with a personal-best time of 2:01.41, highlighting his middle-distance capabilities. 

Coach Slater has also been instrumental in advancing the academic achievements of his student-athletes. Notably, two of his athletes received the 2024 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors. Furthermore, 16 of his student-athletes were named 2023-2024 Scholar-Athletes of the Year for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA across the fall and spring semesters.
 
As a student-athlete himself, Slater competed at the D-III level, setting 12 school records while earning Mason Dixon all-conference honors six times, clinching victory as the 200-meter Mason Dixon Conference Champion, and twice earning the title of NCAA D-III National Qualifier.
 
With ancestral roots tracing back to the Virgin Islands, Slater has also competed on an international stage. In 2020, he was crowned the Virgin Island National Champion in the 100-meter. He has also participated in the World Relays' 4x200, contributing to the 10th fastest team globally.
 
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated search committee for wholeheartedly embracing my potential throughout this process," Slater said. "I am anticipating the opportunity to collaborate and forge enduring memories and accomplishments within the Methodist University Community and enthusiastically awaiting the chance to connect with the team and esteemed staff members."
 
Slater earned his undergraduate degree at Keystone College. He later earned his master's degree from Southern New Hampshire University.