For Butler CC standout Freshman Guard, Ashley Singhateh, basketball has been a lifelong journey—one that started all the way back in the fourth grade. Spurred on by her...
For Butler CC stand-out distance runner (pink jersey and black tights in the above image), Elizabeth Hernandez, track and field has been a decade-long journey that began by watching her parents lace up their shoes and run. Growing up in Tlaxcala, Mexico, Hernandez found her own passion for the sport, one that continues to drive her today as a Grizzly sophomore.
“What I enjoy most about track and field is how I feel when I’m running,” Hernandez said.
Her career has been highlight-reel stuff to this point, her personal highlight being the Panamerican Games in Mexico, where she connected with competitors from around the world. A 5K and 10K specialist, Hernandez is most dominant when racing long distances, enjoying the mental and physical grind that they present.
One of the toughest challenges she has faced is balancing her life as a student-athlete.
“To be an athlete and student, it’s hard to find a balance between those activities and do not drop grades or running results,” Hernandez said.
Still, her experience at Butler has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I really like it,” Hernandez said. “I have been competing almost every week, and my favorite season so far has been cross country.”
Her team’s focus is clear: winning the conference championship. Competing recently at KU, Hernandez faced tough conditions.
“It wasn’t the best race during the race, it was so windy, but I feel that the track is nice and is a fast track but it just the day wasn’t better,” she said.
At the indoor regionals, Hernandez shined, placing fourth in the mile, second in the 3K and fourth in the middle-distance relay.
Her perseverance stands out as one of her greatest strengths, and her current goal is ambitious: breaking 17:30 in the 5K. She works closely with a sports psychologist for mind preparation and scrupulously sticks to her coach's training programs to prepare herself physically.
Hernandez’s advice to young athletes is simple but powerful: “Don’t give up, track and field is not an easy sport, and it takes time to improve”.
Inspired by elite runners like Emma Coburn and Eliud Kipchoge, Hernandez credits her mother for having the biggest impact on her journey.
“My mom, she is always pushing me to do my best and not give up; she is my biggest support,” Hernandez said.
Balancing school and athletics, Hernandez is a general studies major at Butler CC and enjoys traveling and hanging out with friends when she is not in class. After Butler, she would like to transfer to a larger school and compete in running at a competitive level.
Freshman Itumeleng Ngxabazi is also identical in terms of passion for the Butler track and field program. Hailing from Olievenhoutbosh, South Africa, Ngxabazi discovered the sport of track and field at an early age after observing the Olympic Games as a child.
“I love the thrill of competition, the rush of adrenaline when I'm on the track and the sense of accomplishment when I achieve my goals,” Ngxabazi said.
His proudest moment came when he won the 10K at the South African KZN Championships on his first attempt. Specializing in the 1500m and 5000m events, he thrives in races that demand both speed and endurance.
Injuries have posed challenges throughout his career, but Ngxabazi’s patience and focus on recovery have allowed him to come back stronger each time. His time at Butler has been filled with support from teammates and coaches.
“My experience competing for BCC has been amazing,” Ngxabazi said. “The team is like a family, and we all support each other.”
Ngxabazi has been a force this season, placing fourth in the mile (4:11) and setting a personal best of 8:25 in the 3000m at Regionals. His success continued when he was named Athlete of the Week on Wednesday, April 16 after winning the 1500m at the Bobcat Invitational in Texas, running a personal and meet record of 3:48.
“It was an honor to receive that recognition, and it motivated me to continue working hard and pushing myself to be my best,” Ngxabazi said.
Focused on both academics and athletics, Ngxabazi is studying business administration at Butler and carefully organizes his time to maintain balance. Proud of his endurance and mental toughness, he continues to work on enhancing his speed and form.
For Ngxabazi, visualization techniques and positive self-talk are essential parts of race-day preparation. His advice to up-and-coming runners is clear: “Set realistic goals, work hard, and stay consistent. Listen to your body and take care of yourself.”
Ngxabazi is inspired by South African middle-distance runner Tshepo Tshite and one day wants to represent his nation in the Olympic Games. His coach has helped him along the way in following the dream, teaching him all about the strategy and mindset necessary to make it.
Ainsley Campbell, a Kingston, Jamaica sophomore, rounds out this trio of dedicated Grizzly runners. Campbell has been running track and field for eight years, starting for the simple reason that others were doing it and he figured he might as well. His proudest moment so far was recent, when he won the 800m at the KU Relays—becoming the KU Relays 800m Champion and earning Athlete of the Week honors.
“That is not something everyone can say, and I take real pride in that,” Campbell said.
His journey has not been without adversity. Campbell struggled with performance his freshman year at South Plains College, and it was a tough emotional and mental period. Getting to Butler was a turning point.
“So far, my time here at Butler has been wonderful, and I think it was the best choice I made”, Campbell said. “Our team's goal is to win regional championships this weekend and place top 15-10 in the nation.”
Campbell is proud of his raw foot speed and is working on building his first lap and final 300 meters—where races are typically won or lost. To prepare, he sticks to a simple but effective regimen: a solid breakfast, a cup of tea and a focused mindset.
“The advice I would give someone who wants to improve is that training has to hurt—because that’s how you develop,” Campbell said.
Campbell credits his former teammate Giovanni Henry as a key role model in the sport but said no one has had a bigger impact than his mother.
“She was always there no matter what — even late-night training, she was up waiting for me,” Campbell said. “This is all because of her.”
Currently studying Liberal Arts, Campbell enjoys gaming and playing football (soccer) during his leisure time. His future goal is to transfer to a university where he will be able to continue both his athletic and academic career.
Powered by passion and an unstoppable work ethic to improve, Hernandez, Ngxabazi and Campbell are setting the benchmark for Grizzly track and field this season and their journeys have only just begun.
