Telisa B. Young was one of West Chester Henderson’s most talented track & field and cross-country runners.

Together with her teammate Kim Saddic Makke (CCSHOF Inductee 2012) her Henderson teams won three PIAA Track and Field Championships (1987, 1988 & 1989). She was the Ches-Mont individual cross-country champion her senior year (1989). Telisa earned 13 PIAA individual state championships in the 100M & 300M hurdles, and the long and triple jumps, and in her junior year won gold in all four events at the PIAA Championships (1988).

Telisa was a nine-time National High School Champion. In addition to running, she played three years of varsity basketball. Young matriculated at the University of Texas (Austin) where she won two NCAA championships in the long and triple jumps, and was a four-time track & field All-American.

She was voted UT’s Most Valuable Women’s Athlete (1994). Following graduation she was a member of three USA World Championship teams, two Olympic Festival teams, participated in three Olympic trials, and competed professionally for Reebok (1995-1998).

She is a member of the PIAA Track & Field Hall of Fame, Henderson Wall of Fame, University of Texas Hall of Honors, and the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame.

She currently resides in Austin, Texas where she teaches elementary school, is a United States certified jump specialist for Young Athletics, and coaches Austin youth with Xtreme Force Track Club.