Carr’s rise leads to Tennessee jaunt

Former Edwin Allen High School quarter-miler and 400m hurdles specialist, Kelly-Ann Carr, will be a Lady Vol for the upcoming track and field season after recently signing an athletic scholarship with the University of Tennessee.

Carr, who has been at the Frankfield-based institution for the past seven years, has had an outstanding career for both her school and the national junior team over the years, with her best season coming in 2024 when she was crowned Under-20 Carifta Games champion in the 400m hurdles.

The past season has been a very successful one for the 19-year-old Carr. Representing her school, she posted a personal best time of 52.20 seconds to win the Class One 400m title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, as well as a personal best of 56.84 seconds in the 400m hurdles, her first sub-57-second performance in the event, finishing second at the championships.

Carr also picked up her first Championships of America title at this year’s Penn Relays in Philadelphia, where she was a member of the winning 4x100m relay team.

“I am very pleased with my performances for Edwin Allen and Jamaica over the years, especially last year when I lost my brother two weeks before the championships,” said Carr, who was vice-captain of the successful Edwin Allen team this past season.

Carr was recently named to represent the country in both the 400m and 400m hurdles at the CAC Under-23 Championships and the CAC Games, which will be her first senior national assignments.

She is excited about attending Tennessee.

“Going to Tennessee is a dream come true for me, as I have watched them over the years participating at the NCAA Division One Championships; and after paying a visit to the school a few weeks ago, I was even more impressed with the reception I got, as I think their programme fits into what I want,” said Carr, who will be studying psychology.

“Going to Tennessee, I want to improve big time in both events, as I am looking forward to running at least 48 to 49 seconds in the flat 400m, and 52 to 53 seconds in the 400m hurdles.”

Carr will join former teammate Jounee Armstrong at Tennessee, who has just completed her freshman year.