Aries Merritt
Buda
Summary
Dynamic track and field coach with a robust history of developing elite sprinters and hurdlers. Achievements include leading teams to conference championships and guiding athletes to NCAA All-American honors. Expertise in program development, recruitment, and transformative leadership drives consistent performance and measurable results.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Track and Field Coach – Sprints & Hurdles
Texas State University
01.2024 - Current
- Directed the sprints and hurdles program for both men’s and women’s teams, contributing to back-to-back Sun Belt Conference sweep titles in 2025 and 2026.
- Coached multiple school record holders in the sprints while developing athletes who qualified for the NCAA Championships and earned All-American status.
- Designed and implemented individualized training plans that produced consistent personal bests and championship-level performances.
- Collaborated with the head coach on meet strategies, athlete monitoring, and program growth initiatives.
Motivational Speaker
Hurdles at Best
Buda
01.2006 - Current
- Built a strong social media presence and engaged thousands of followers with inspirational content.
- Delivered motivational speeches at conferences, sharing real-world experiences on how decisions shape long-term success.
Assistant Track and Field Coach – Sprints & Hurdles
Brown University
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Spearheaded the sprints and hurdles group, leading to numerous personal bests and the breaking of a 30-year-old school record in the hurdles.
- Created and executed weekly training programs that challenged athletes and drove measurable performance gains.
- Recruited high-achieving student-athletes who excelled both academically and athletically.
Professional Athlete
Reebok / Nike
01.2006 - 01.2021
- Competed at the highest levels of international track and field while maintaining strong public relations through media appearances, fan interactions, and charity events.
- Analyzed competitors’ strengths and weaknesses to inform personal training and race strategy.
- Balanced rigorous training schedules with team obligations, sponsorship responsibilities, and long-term career goals.
Volunteer Assistant Coach
Texas A&M University
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Guided training direction, nutrition, and competition preparation to optimize athlete readiness and performance.
- Promoted team discipline and development by identifying weaknesses and reinforcing proper techniques to improve skills.
- Facilitated daily training sessions, delivering technical feedback and motivating student-athletes to enhance performance.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management (Minor)
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN01-2008
Skills
- Public speaking
- Coaching techniques
- Program design
- Team development
- Athlete recruitment
- Leadership and team collaboration
- Problem solving and communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Cultural sensitivity
- Relationship building
Certification
- USATF Level 2 Coaching Certification, 01/01/20, Current
- EMS Certified in CPR/AED/First Aid, Not Provided
Timeline
Assistant Track and Field Coach – Sprints & Hurdles
Texas State University
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Track and Field Coach – Sprints & Hurdles
Brown University
01.2022 - 01.2024
Volunteer Assistant Coach
Texas A&M University
01.2007 - 01.2013
Motivational Speaker
Hurdles at Best
01.2006 - Current
Professional Athlete
Reebok / Nike
01.2006 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management (Minor)
University of Tennessee