Former Howard University track and field standout Kelis Armstrong received the 2026 Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award on July 14 at Gotham Hall in New York City.
The ceremony took place during the 12th Annual Sports Humanitarian Awards.
Armstrong, a Dallas native, graduated from Howard in May with a health science degree and a 3.92 cumulative GPA.
She was recognized for using sports to promote community health education, create safe after-school environments, and mentor young leaders in Washington, D.
C.
"Winning this award means a lot to me because it represents all of the hard work I have put in," Armstrong said.
"It is a reminder that purpose can extend far beyond sports."
During her collegiate career, Armstrong qualified for the NCAA East Regional Championships in the triple jump for a second straight year.
She also earned spots on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner's All-Academic Team and the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
Additionally, she was one of 42 recipients nationally of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, receiving $10,000 for graduate studies.
Her community outreach expanded after an ACL injury shortened her track season. She then volunteered with Grassroots Health, Run Your City, and Howard's student-athlete service programs.
"That injury helped me realize my purpose was not just on the track," Armstrong said.
"Working with youth and helping them discover their own purpose gave me a sense of balance."
Her advocacy focuses on public health access and providing resources to underserved youth. "I love making a difference in the youth community," she said.
"Every child deserves safe spaces, resources and people who believe in them."
Looking ahead, Armstrong plans to establish a nonprofit serving youth in the Metro D. C.
area and Dallas.
The organization will tackle food insecurity, public health challenges, and limited recreational access through fitness and mentorship programs.
"God keeps me motivated," Armstrong said.
"On the hard days, I remind myself why I started, how far I have already come and I just take it one day at a time."
She follows a personal guiding principle during adversity: "It is easy to feel motivated when things are going well.
Keep going until you can see the full picture."
Armstrong will attend Columbia University this fall to pursue a Master of Public Health.
