University of Houston Athletics
#UHGrad Series: Wilson’s Strength, Ambition on Full Display
5/7/2024 9:36:00 AM | Track and Field
Houston senior hurdler shines, showcases perseverance as part of record-setting collegiate career
In conjunction with the University of Houston's May commencement ceremonies, UH Athletics is celebrating its standout graduates who have shined in the classroom and in the arena of competition with our #UHGrad Series.
HOUSTON – University of Houston Track and Field's record book features a who's who of the world's best athletes – Olympians, National Champions, Gold Medalists and NCAA prizewinners. Among the greats is senior hurdler De'Vion Wilson who is charting his own course with Olympic dreams in sight.
After a decorated start to his 2018-19 freshman season, which included a runner-up finisher in the 100-meter hurdles (13.96) at The American Outdoor Championships and a bronze finisher in the 60-meter hurdles (7.92) at The American Indoor Championships, Wilson hung up his cleats.
"One of the reasons I left was because my mom was in a bad car accident. I think that really helped put faith in myself, family and community. It just changed my view on a lot in life honestly," Wilson said. "I'm most proud of myself for not giving up because there was a time I wasn't sure if track was for me. I'm glad I didn't give up and was able to come back and accomplish everything I did. At 18, I wasn't sure if I was able to do any of these things."
Wilson, who will receive his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Houston's Department of Political Science this month, credits his coaching staff for sticking with him.
"Coach Carl Lewis and Will Blackburn kept supporting me when I was at home," Wilson said. "They kept saying we really want you back, and we think you have a lot of potential. They believed in me, and I just trusted their belief."
The Hutto, Texas, native's results in his return to the track reflected that belief. Wilson won the 60-meter hurdles at the 2022 American Indoor Conference Championships, setting the stage for a record-setting 2023 campaign.
Wilson took silver in the 110-meter hurdles, by 0.02 seconds, at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, breaking the school record in the process at 13.26. He set (7.70) and re-set (7.69) his own school record in the 60-meter hurdles at the Houston Invitational. Wilson earned All-America status in both events.
"Focusing on the small things, and not trying to chase times," Wilson said when asked about what it has taken to achieve an elite level of success. "I really just go into every race thinking about what I need to do to run fast, and not just focusing on winning and running a certain time."
Wilson's ambitions are equally noteworthy on and off the track. After exhausting his eligibility this summer following the outdoor season, his focus will turn to qualifying for the Olympic team and studying for the LSAT as he makes future determinations on attending law school.
Wilson credits Angel Shamblin, Houston's Assistant Athletics Director for Academic Services, with helping him become a better student and for providing the mindset needed to succeed in the classroom.
"I wasn't always the best student, so she's helped me stay on track and stay on top of my work," Wilson said. "If I ever need help, she's always there. [When she first started advising me] she would tell me I could do it … that I just needed to be honed in, and get rid of all the distractions."
With the Track and Field regular season in the rear-view mirror, Wilson and the Cougars turn their attention to the Big 12 Outdoor Championships, beginning Friday, in Waco, Texas. As his collegiate experience winds down, Wilson has found not just the physical strength, but the strength from within, to conquer whatever life throws his way next.
"That I'm really resilient, and strong," Wilson said on what he's learned about himself while at UH. "I used to let just any inconvenience ruin my day or ruin my week. I just learned how strong I am, and how I can bounce back from anything."
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
HOUSTON – University of Houston Track and Field's record book features a who's who of the world's best athletes – Olympians, National Champions, Gold Medalists and NCAA prizewinners. Among the greats is senior hurdler De'Vion Wilson who is charting his own course with Olympic dreams in sight.
After a decorated start to his 2018-19 freshman season, which included a runner-up finisher in the 100-meter hurdles (13.96) at The American Outdoor Championships and a bronze finisher in the 60-meter hurdles (7.92) at The American Indoor Championships, Wilson hung up his cleats.
"One of the reasons I left was because my mom was in a bad car accident. I think that really helped put faith in myself, family and community. It just changed my view on a lot in life honestly," Wilson said. "I'm most proud of myself for not giving up because there was a time I wasn't sure if track was for me. I'm glad I didn't give up and was able to come back and accomplish everything I did. At 18, I wasn't sure if I was able to do any of these things."
Wilson, who will receive his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Houston's Department of Political Science this month, credits his coaching staff for sticking with him.
"Coach Carl Lewis and Will Blackburn kept supporting me when I was at home," Wilson said. "They kept saying we really want you back, and we think you have a lot of potential. They believed in me, and I just trusted their belief."
The Hutto, Texas, native's results in his return to the track reflected that belief. Wilson won the 60-meter hurdles at the 2022 American Indoor Conference Championships, setting the stage for a record-setting 2023 campaign.
Wilson took silver in the 110-meter hurdles, by 0.02 seconds, at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, breaking the school record in the process at 13.26. He set (7.70) and re-set (7.69) his own school record in the 60-meter hurdles at the Houston Invitational. Wilson earned All-America status in both events.
"Focusing on the small things, and not trying to chase times," Wilson said when asked about what it has taken to achieve an elite level of success. "I really just go into every race thinking about what I need to do to run fast, and not just focusing on winning and running a certain time."
Wilson's ambitions are equally noteworthy on and off the track. After exhausting his eligibility this summer following the outdoor season, his focus will turn to qualifying for the Olympic team and studying for the LSAT as he makes future determinations on attending law school.
Wilson credits Angel Shamblin, Houston's Assistant Athletics Director for Academic Services, with helping him become a better student and for providing the mindset needed to succeed in the classroom.
"I wasn't always the best student, so she's helped me stay on track and stay on top of my work," Wilson said. "If I ever need help, she's always there. [When she first started advising me] she would tell me I could do it … that I just needed to be honed in, and get rid of all the distractions."
With the Track and Field regular season in the rear-view mirror, Wilson and the Cougars turn their attention to the Big 12 Outdoor Championships, beginning Friday, in Waco, Texas. As his collegiate experience winds down, Wilson has found not just the physical strength, but the strength from within, to conquer whatever life throws his way next.
"That I'm really resilient, and strong," Wilson said on what he's learned about himself while at UH. "I used to let just any inconvenience ruin my day or ruin my week. I just learned how strong I am, and how I can bounce back from anything."
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
– UHCougars.com –
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