If there is one thing we know about Dennis Shaver and the LSU track and field program, it’s that they seemingly have an allergy to being slow. In fact, it’s starting to feel a little bit personal. Just when the rest of the SEC starts convincing themselves they might have a shot at a podium finish, the Tigers go out and reload the roster with elite talent.
The latest addition to the relentless machine in Baton Rouge? That would be Keliza Smith, a six-time Guyanese national champion who is set to bring her talents to the Bayou this spring.
From Barton CC to the SEC Spotlight
For those who don’t follow the JUCO circuit closely (and if you don’t, you’re missing out on some of the grittiest athletes in the country), let me paint a picture of what Keliza Smith accomplished there.
During her two seasons with the Barton Cougars, she didn’t just participate; she dominated. We are talking about a 15-time USTFCCCA First Team All-American. Fifteen times. Most athletes dream of getting that honor once before they hang up the spikes. Smith collected them like they were trading cards.
She also captured an NJCAA national title in the 60-meter dash. The JUCO route is a grind—it’s not all glitz, glamour, and NIL deals. It builds character, and it usually produces athletes who are hungry to prove themselves at the Division I level. Smith arriving in LSU with that kind of hardware suggests she is ready to contribute points immediately, not next year.
Breaking Down the Speed
She heads to LSU with personal bests that should make the rest of the conference nervous. She has clocked a 7.28 in the 60m and a blistering 11.37 in the 100m. That 11.37 isn’t just a random fast time; it stands as the national U20 record for Guyana.
But here is where it gets interesting for Coach Shaver’s relay pools: she has range. Smith isn’t just a short sprinter. She has posted a 23.08 in the 200m and a 52.91 in the 400m.
That kind of versatility is a nightmare for opposing coaches. It means she can slot into the 4x100m relay, arguably help out in a 4x400m scenario if legs are tired, and score individual points across multiple events. In the SEC, where championships are often decided by a handful of points, having a “Swiss Army Knife” sprinter who runs a 52-second quarter mile is a luxury.
The Guyanese Pipeline in Baton Rouge
There must be something in the water down in Georgetown, or perhaps there is just a really strong Wi-Fi signal connecting Guyana to Louisiana. Keliza Smith is stepping into a locker room that will feel surprisingly like home.
By signing with the Tigers, she teams up with fellow Guyanese athletes Malachi Austin and Athaleyha Hinckson, who are already part of the program. It’s becoming a bit of a pipeline. Having that familiarity on campus is huge for international student-athletes. Adjusting to the SEC is hard enough without being thousands of miles from home; having teammates who speak your language—literally and culturally—can make the transition seamless.
International Experience Matters
Another reason LSU fans should be excited? Smith isn’t intimidated by big stages.
She recently took her talents to the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she snatched a bronze medal in the 100m final with an 11.59. That was the first podium finish for Guyana at the Games. She also grabbed a bronze at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay in the 200m. The Experience she has internationally is tremendous.
What This Means for the Spring Season At LSU
The timing of this signing is crucial. Keliza Smith is joining as a junior this spring. This isn’t a “wait and see” development project. LSU is looking to make noise immediately during the indoor and outdoor seasons, and Smith provides instant depth.
Welcome to LSU, Keliza. Try not to speed past everyone too quickly—we’d like to get a good look at the uniform.
Don't stop here
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