As his senior season approaches, Sherman Hawkins Jr. reflected on why he chose Mississippi State University, where he says he has grown academically and athletically, to be a home for his track and field career. 

Hawkins, a business administration major from Alexandria, Louisiana, has been a member of MSU Track and Field for the last three years and is beginning his fourth and final season this year. Hawkins participates in both the 400m and 200m sprints, as well as the 4x400m relay, which he says is his favorite event. 

“It’s the ultimate test of teamwork, grit, and heart,” Hawkins said. “There’s nothing like anchoring your teammates’ efforts and pushing through that final stretch with everything on the line.” 

Hawkins started his career when he joined the Tioga High School track and field team and discovered his love for competing, which he said has shaped him into the athlete that he is today. In 2023, he competed for Jackson State before he made his way home to MSU. He received offers from other programs such as Penn State, Houston and Kansas City, among others.

“Mississippi State stood out because of its culture, coaching and commitment to excellence,” Hawkins said. 

Track is more than just a sport to Hawkins; it is a testament to his patience, self-belief and discipline. Hawkins sees track as the greatest opportunity one could have. 

“Track means opportunity to me — the opportunity to inspire others through my talent, to build wealth through my fitness and performance and to create a better future for my family,” Hawkins said. 

Family has been Hawkins’s greatest motivation throughout his athletic career. He said that they have always believed in him and reminded him that hard work beats everything.

This season, Hawkins has a lot of goals set in mind for himself, such as breaking school records in the 200m and 400m and winning a national championship for MSU. He also plans to earn his professional track contract. 

“I’ve put in the work and I’m excited to showcase everything I’ve been building towards,” Hawkins said. 

Aside from the regular scheduled team practices, Hawkins said he takes pride in the details, which include stretching daily, focusing on recovery, maintaining his overall fitness and working on explosive movements. 

“That consistency keeps my body strong and ready for competition year-round,” Hawkins said. 

The details seemed to have paid off so far, as Hawkins was named All-American in the 4x400m relay. He also finished second in the Southeastern Conference Championships in high jump and was named a conference champion his freshman year and ran for the team that placed top-five nationally. 

Making this season his last one wearing maroon and white, Hawkins looks to continue getting better with the intention of going professional in the 400m sprint post-graduation. He also plans to launch his own fitness business to help others reach their physical and mental potential. Because Hawkins has competed at the SEC and national level, he has experience that others may not have. 

“Competing at the SEC and national level has shown me how many people want to train like athletes but don’t have the right guidance, structure, or environment,” Hawkins said. “I want to bridge that gap.”

Hawkins said the business will focus on three core areas: performance-focused training programs, digital coaching and content and branded fitness products. Hawkins said his mission with this business is simple.

“To help people unlock their strongest, fastest, healthiest version of themselves using the same principles that helped me become an All-American and SEC-level competitor,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins is beyond grateful for the opportunities that Mississippi State has provided for him, both on and off the track. To him, coming to State has been life-changing.

“Competing here has shaped me not just as an athlete, but as a man,” Hawkins said. “It’s taught me discipline, accountability, and respect—lessons that go far beyond the track.”

Hawkins is excited to be a Bulldog one last time and watch his attention to detail pay off. MSU was home to Hawkins for so long, and he will forever be proud to have been draped in maroon and white. 

“I’d encourage any athlete looking for a place to grow mentally, physically, and professionally to consider MSU,” Hawkins said. “It’s truly a place where futures are built.”