Ettrick, Va. (Aug. 5, 2025) – Elizabeth Allen has been announced as the new Head Coach of the Cross Country/Track & Field programs at Virginia State University, as named by Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes.
"I am excited to welcome Coach Allen as the head coach of our cross country and track and field programs," said Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes, Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "She embodies everything our student-athletes hoped for in their next coach and everything I envisioned in their next leader. Coach Allen made an incredible impression on the search committee, and I'm confident that our program will thrive under her guidance. Her appointment also marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first woman to lead our program."
Allen most recently spent three years at Virginia Commonwealth University as an assistant track & field coach, where she also served as recruiting coordinator and camp director. At VCU, she coached sprints, hurdles, relays, and multi-event athletes. During her time there, the track & field program won three Atlantic 10 Conference championships. Allen coached three athletes who broke four A-10 records and helped produce 19 conference champions in her event groups. Over her career, she has coached four team conference championships, 28 individual conference champions, seven conference MVPs, and two conference rookies of the year.
"It is a privilege and an honor to serve as the next Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Virginia State University. I am both grateful and thankful that Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes has given me the opportunity to serve and lead this program," said Allen. "I must give a special thanks to Coach Jon Riley at Virginia Commonwealth University and Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice at Tennessee State University for playing a vital role in my coaching career."
Prior to VCU, Allen led the track & field program at Allen High School for six years. As Head Coach, she oversaw and developed training in sprints, hurdles, relays, middle distance, throws, horizontal and vertical jumps. While managing all aspects of the girls' program, she raised over $65,000 in funding. She coached 10 Texas UIL 6A state qualifiers and 36 regional qualifiers. Under her leadership, the team won three district titles, two area titles, and earned a Texas 6A Region II runner-up finish. Thirty of her athletes received athletic scholarships to compete at the collegiate level, and 10 school records were broken during her tenure. Allen also served as meet director for the Allen Eagle Relays, the DFW Relays, and the Last Chance Meet.
Before Allen High School, she spent one year at the University of North Texas (UNT), coaching sprints, hurdles, and relays. While at UNT, she helped produce three NCAA West Preliminary qualifiers.
Allen began her collegiate coaching career under legendary Olympian Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice at Tennessee State University, where she coached sprints, hurdles, relays, pole vault, and multi-events for three years. During her time, the Tigerbelles won an Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Championship and earned one OVC runner-up finish. Her athletes broke two OVC records, produced 12 OVC champions, one IAAF/U-20 qualifier, five NCAA East Preliminary qualifiers, one NCAA national qualifier, two OVC Freshman of the Year awardees, and one OVC Female Athlete of the Championship.
Before entering the collegiate ranks, Allen coached at the University School of Nashville (USN) for two years, producing four TSSAA state champions. Eight athletes qualified for the TSSAA State Championship, and eight school records were broken during her time there.
Formerly known as Elizabeth Pollock, Allen enjoyed a standout athletic career at Belmont University. As a Bruin, she was a five-time NCAA regional qualifier, five-time Atlantic Sun event champion, 11-time All-Atlantic Sun Conference performer, eight-time school record holder, and a USATF Junior National qualifier. In 2023, she was inducted into the Belmont University Sports Hall of Fame. She is a two-time graduate of Belmont, holding a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a Master of Sport Administration.
Allen holds USATF Level 1 and Level 2 certifications in Sprints, Hurdles, and Relays, as well as USTFCCCA certifications in Meet Management and Strength & Conditioning. She and her husband are proud parents of three children.
What They Are Saying:
Jon Riley – Head Men's and Women's Track & Field Coach at VCU
"Coach Allen is a seasoned and dedicated professional in the sport of track & field. She is prepared and ready to take the reins as head coach and elevate this program to the championship level. I have the utmost respect for her as a person and as a coach and have no doubt she will excel at VSU."
Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice – Head Men's and Women's Track & Field and Cross Country Coach at Tennessee State
"I had the opportunity to have Coach Allen on my staff at Tennessee State University, and she was a relentless worker. She was loyal, dependable, and trustworthy during her time at TSU. She was always ready to compete, and I know she'll bring that same competitive spirit to Virginia State University!"
Stefanie Slekis – Head Men's and Women's Track & Field and Cross Country Coach Nicholls State
"I had the pleasure of working on staff with Coach Allen over a decade ago, and we have continued to support each other ever since. The opportunity to lead a collegiate program is one she has been preparing for since I met her, and I couldn't be more excited that the right opportunity has come. Coach Allen is an amazing communicator, servant leader, and educator. The culture and tradition she builds will benefit not just the athletes, but the campus and greater community as well."
Asha Gibson-Smith – Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach, Austin Peay State University
"It is with great confidence that I recommend Coach Allen. She has continually positioned herself as one of the top educators and major contributors to the sport. Her leadership qualities and mindset embody the growth of a lifelong learner. I fully support and endorse her ability to educate, coach, and mentor student-athletes."
Caroline Pruitt – Former Athlete, Allen High School
"Coach Allen played a significant role in my development as both an athlete and a person. She challenged me to exceed my limits and held me to a high standard because she believed in my potential. She coached the individual, not just the event, tailoring her approach to what I needed. Her steady presence—through injuries, setbacks, and successes—made a lasting impact on me. Her commitment to growth and passion for the sport are unmatched. She created an environment where I felt respected and supported and continues to influence how I approach challenges today."
Jason Griffin – Former Student-Athlete, Tennessee State University
"Coach Allen pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone, helping me grow mentally and physically. She taught me the value of consistency and trust in the process. Because of her support, I developed confidence, discipline, and a deep respect for hard work."
Simon Pierre – Former Student-Athlete, VCU
"Coach Allen will push you to go after your goals—and more. Just when you feel like you can't go any further, she pushes you harder, and it works. The proof was in the results. I'll always be grateful to her for showing me I'm tougher than I thought."
