On June 14th, the University of Georgia made history as they captured their first-ever NCAA Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championship. Among them, three remarkable members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council: Sydney Harris, Aaliyah Butler, and Kaila Jackson. Their dedication on the track mirrors their commitment to their organizations, the Greek community, and uplifting underrepresented communities nationwide.
Sydney Harris, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
From the moment she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Harris knew her college journey would be defined by more than just laps around the track.
“Becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been one of the most defining experiences of my time at UGA,” Harris said.
Through her chapter, Harris has found mentors who challenge her and a network of sisters who hold her accountable to the sorority’s pillars—values that parallel her own athletic pursuits. According to Harris, discipline and drive are the core to everything she does, whether she is training as an athlete or fulfilling her responsibilities within her chapter.
“In Delta Sigma Theta, excellence is a standard from academic achievement to community engagement, and that aligns perfectly with the commitment and focus needed to compete at the national level,” said Harris.
Her commitment to staying organized, setting priorities, and leading with purpose has been instrumental in her career. When asked what it means to represent the University of Georgia, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the NPHC community, Harris’s pride shines through. She said, “Wearing that ‘G’ out front and our crimson and cream with pride is more than just representing teams or letters—it’s about honoring those who paved the way and showing what’s possible when hard work meets purpose. Being on the national stage gives me a platform to celebrate the legacy of NPHC organizations and uplift the voices and stories of underrepresented communities. It’s a responsibility I carry with pride and deep gratitude.”
Kaila Jackson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Balancing life as a national-level sprinter and an Alpha Kappa Alpha sister, Jackson has learned to turn pressure into performance. “Being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has truly enriched my college journey,” she said.
“It has provided me with a sisterhood that constantly uplifts me, challenges me to grow, and reminds me of the importance of service and excellence,” said Jackson.
Through her chapter, Jackson has honed time management skills that serve her equally well in the classroom, on community service projects, and in the starting blocks.
Jackson credits both athletics and her sorority with teaching similar virtues. Discipline, commitment, and perseverance are core to both athletics and sisterhood.
“The same drive that pushes me to succeed on the track fuels my dedication to Alpha Kappa Alpha and the values we uphold,” said Jackson. “Whether I’m preparing for a national championship or organizing a community service project, I bring the same level of focus and passion.”
For Jackson, representing the University of Georgia, her sorority sisters, and the NPHC is about inspiring others. Jackson says, “I understand that I’m not just running for myself; I’m running for my university, my sisters, and my community. I hope to inspire others to chase their goals relentlessly and to show that you can lead in multiple spaces and still excel.”
Sydney Harris, Aaliyah Butler, and Kaila Jackson exemplify the Bulldog spirit, proving that excellence on the track and commitment to community go hand in hand. As members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., they carry forward a legacy of leadership that resonates far beyond the finish line.
