Athlete Spotlight: Caedeon Trotter - Rising Track Star at West Virginia State University

Some athletes are born with a passion for their sport, while others discover it later in life. For Caedeon Trotter, a sophomore at West Virginia State University, track and field became a defining part of his journey during his junior year of high school. What started as an interest quickly grew into a full-fledged commitment to excellence.

“I got interested in track during my junior year of high school,” Caedeon recalls. “It grew on me as I competed over the years and started to see progress. The more I trained and raced, the more I enjoyed it, and I became more committed to improving.” His hard work paid off when he received an athletic scholarship offer from West Virginia State University, an HBCU where he now competes as a sophomore.

Finding His Stride

When asked about his favorite event, Caedeon doesn’t hesitate: “The 200 is my favorite event at the moment. I feel like it’s just made for me to run it, and it’s my best event stats-wise.” His love for the 200 meters is a reflection of the confidence he’s built through years of training and competing.

Like many young athletes, Caedeon draws inspiration from a global track and field star: Botswana sprinter Leslie Tebogo. “Leslie Tebogo has been my biggest inspiration in track and field. His determination and raw talent as a young sprinter really speak to me. The way he maintains his composure and form during races catches my eye,” he says. Tebogo’s record-breaking performances and poise under pressure have fueled Caedeon’s aspirations to make his own mark on the sport.

Setting Big Goals

Caedeon’s ambitions are as bold as his work ethic. His “Big 3” goals include:

1. Making it to D2 Nationals this year in all his events and winning, both indoor and outdoor.

2. Transferring to a major Division 1 program after this season.

3. Continuing his journey to win an Olympic title.

These goals reflect not only his talent but also his drive to continually push himself to new heights. “Being able to compete collegiately is definitely my proudest achievement. I never thought I would be blessed with the opportunity to compete in the NCAA, but I made it happen with hard work and sacrifices.” 

Accomplishments to Date

Caedeon’s resume is already impressive. He’s a:

• Silver Medalist in the Indoor 4x400 Relay

• 200m Outdoor Finalist

• Silver Medalist in the Outdoor 4x100 Relay

• Holder of five school records

Trotter’s indoor season was highlighted by a record-breaking 60m dash, where he set a new school record with a time of 6.89 seconds. His consistent performances have been instrumental in WVSU's track and field successes, and he continues to be a key athlete for the Yellow Jackets.

Each achievement represents countless hours of training, mental preparation, and determination.

Words of Wisdom

For aspiring track and field athletes, Caedeon emphasizes the importance of mental strength. “Make sure your mental state is at its strongest. If your mentality isn’t right, you’ll never see the results you want in track and field. Track is 70% mental and the other 30% is obviously training, but it definitely starts with your mental,” he advises.

As Caedeon continues to chase his dreams, his journey serves as an inspiration to anyone striving to reach their full potential. Whether he’s racing the 200 or anchoring a relay, Caedeon Trotter is a name to watch in the world of track and field.