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.
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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.
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"Working with youth and helping them discover their own purpose gave me a sense of balance."
