UTEP Track & Field Announces Kimberly Francis as Assistant Coach

10/23/2024 9:52:00 AM

EL PASO – UTEP Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Mika Laaksonen announced the hiring of Kimberly Francis to the program. Francis will direct the hurdlers and sprinters. Francis brings a wealth of experience and a passion for athletics to her role at UTEP.

"Coach Kimberly Francis is a young knowledgeable coach and a great addition to our staff at this point in time," Laaksonen said. "She has an outstanding skillset that extends beyond just coaching, and she will be a perfect fit as our second sprints/hurdles coach for the program. This should be an exciting year for us!"

Before joining the Miners' coaching staff, she served as an assistant coach for men's and women's hurdles at Prairie View A&M University for one season. Prior to Prairie View, she held the position of track & field/cross country head coach at Garden City Community College during the 2019-2020 season and was an assistant coach in 2018-2019.

In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Francis has dedicated herself to the mental and behavioral health fields, working with non-profit organizations to support community wellness. She is pursuing her Doctorate in Human Services with a focus on Organizational Leadership and Management, reflecting her commitment to personal growth and professional excellence.

A passionate advocate for youth athletics, Francis has hosted Annual Youth Track Camps in her hometown of Lafayette, La., since 2018. She organizes daily and weekly training sessions for local youth, providing them with invaluable skills through drills, demonstrations, and training theories alongside a knowledgeable staff.

As a former professional athlete, Francis competed under the Adidas brand from 2014 to 2018, achieving notable successes, including a bronze medal in Saskatchewan, Canada, and a silver in Sint Maarten. Her competitive background is complemented by a stellar collegiate career at Louisiana Tech, where she earned a Bachelor's in Sociology and was a six-time WAC champion. Francis set school records in both the 100m and 60m hurdles, becoming the first LA Tech hurdler to run under 13 seconds in the 100m hurdles. Francis also served as a graduate assistant at Grambling State University, where she earned her Master's in Criminal Justice in 2016. The experience further enhanced her leadership skills and understanding of athlete development.

Francis's success began in high school, where she was an 11-time state champion at Northside High School in Lafayette. She was named the 2009 Louisiana Gatorade Athlete of the Year and received the Wendy's High School Heisman award in 2010. Additionally, she set the Louisiana 4A state record in the 100m hurdles in 2009 and broke the composite record in the 300m hurdles in 2010 with a time of 43.05. Her leadership helped her high school team secure three outdoor and two indoor state championships, and she was recognized as the 2009 and 2010 Louisiana Most Outstanding Athlete.

A proud mother to her daughter, Aubrey Barnes (8), Francis is committed to developing the next generation of athletes at UTEP, combining her diverse background in coaching, competition, and community service.

Help Support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club. Visit https://givingto.utep.edu/mac today!

For complete coverage of UTEP Track & Field/Cross Country, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPTrack (Twitter/Instagram/Facebook) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

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