JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.- Carson-Newman track and field has announced the addition of Eliza Collins out of Jefferson County High School in Dandridge, Tenn. this afternoon, Jan. 10. 

Collins will be a fourth-generation Eagle, following in the footsteps of celebrated athletes like her father Brent Collins and uncle Todd Collins. Collins' father and uncle are recognizable names in Carson-Newman football history, contributing to the Eagles' 1989 NAIA National Championship win. Both brothers continued on to careers in the NFL. 

"Eliza is the next Eagle in a long line of Eagles. As a former football player at Carson-Newman, I have known her dad and uncle as teammates," head track and field coach David Needs said. "Her grandfather, the late Jim Collins, is also a former Eagle and a former principal at Jefferson County High School. Even her great grandparents attended Carson-Newman." 

Collins makes her way to Mossy Creek after an accomplished high school career at Jefferson County High School. She is the captain of the JCHS track and field team and holds the current outdoor team record in the 100-meter hurdles (15.64 seconds) and 300-meter hurdles (48.39 seconds). She holds the team record in both the indoor and outdoor long jump event, and has the second fastest women's 60-meter hurdles time in the school's track and field history (9.89 seconds). Along with her athletic accolades, Collins is active in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Patriot Events Council at JCHS. 

"In addition to being part of the bloodline, we are getting an athlete with a champions heart on and off the field," Needs said. "Eliza is an outstanding athlete who brings her very best every time she competes and fits our culture and program perfectly." 

Carson-Newman track and field welcomes 2024 signee Eliza Collins to the program. Stay up to date on cneagles.com.