After transferring from the University of South Carolina Upstate, Bracie Vaughn is back in Texas and better than ever. The Forney High School graduate, now a junior at UT Tyler in Tyler Texas, recently competed with the Patriots in the Lone Star Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Competing in the 60-meter high hurdles, Bracie not only claimed the Conference Gold Medal but also set a new UT Tyler record, crossing the finish line in a blazing 8.63 seconds. Her victory earned her the title of Conference Champion, marking a stunning comeback to the sport she loves.
“I’m just so grateful to be back and performing at this level,” Bracie said after her victory. “I appreciate Coach Kaiser and Coach Anthony for giving me the opportunity to succeed here at UT Tyler. I’m thankful they saw my potential and gave me this chance. I’m working as hard as I can to make them proud.”
The journey to this moment wasn’t without its challenges. Due to NCAA compliance issues involving her transfer from USC Upstate to UT Tyler, Bracie hadn’t competed since 2023. While at USC Upstate, she set a new school record in the indoor hurdles, so Coaches Kaiser and Anthony new she would be a good investment for the Patriots. They had confidence in her talent as an athlete and student and knew if they stood by her, the Patriots would get a return on their investment. They coached her hard, and she trained hard to prepare for her comeback.
“It is nice to see her back on the track, performing at such a high level,” said Coach Kaiser. “She’s worked incredibly hard to get here, and we’re all so proud of her achievements.”
Bracie is the daughter of Forney residents Sidney and Veronica Vaughn. Bracie’s love for track began back in middle school, where her mother encouraged her to pursue hurdles. Veronica, a former high school hurdler herself, saw the spark in Bracie and knew she had the potential to excel. At Forney High School, Bracie balanced basketball with track but ultimately decided to focus her energy on track, a decision that has clearly paid off.
Academically, Bracie is pursuing a major in criminal justice with a minor in forensics at UT Tyler. With her strong focus, discipline, and work ethic, both on and off the track, the sky’s the limit for this rising star.
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