Derrick Atkins is in his fifth season as Utah Tech's Head Women's Track and Field Coach in 2025.
Under Atkins' coaching, the Utah Tech women's track and field team experienced remarkable success in the 2024 season. With his expertise in sprint, hurdles, jumps, and middle distance events, Atkins guided the team to new heights. Over the course of his four years at the helm of the program, he has consistently led the team to significant improvements year after year.
The 2024 season saw the Trailblazers set 10 program records in the indoor season as well as nine in the outdoor season. The indoor season saw the Blazers earn six second-team all-WAC selections, record six scoring performances at the WAC Indoor Championships and set a pair of program records in the 4x400 meter relay (Megan Jenkins, Whitney Christiansen, Kelly Denninghoff and Addi Wyatt) and mile (Lexi Larsen).
The outdoor season saw the Trailblazers post one first-team all-WAC honoree, five second-team all-WAC selections and six more scoring performances at the WAC Outdoor Championships with five setting new program records. Three individuals recorded top five finishes led by Megan Jenkins in the 400 meter hurdles (third), Ashlyn Parish in the 100 meter hurdles (fourth) and Larsen in the 1500 meters (fifth). A pair of relay teams also set new program records in the 4x100 and 4x400.
Not only has the team excelled athletically, but they have also excelled academically. They have earned 35 Indoor Academic All-Conference honors and 70 Outdoor Academic All-Conference honors.
Atkins' coaching philosophy and training methods have played a crucial role in the team's success. His focus on individualized training programs tailored to each athlete's strengths and weaknesses has helped them reach their full potential. Additionally, his emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness has fostered a positive and competitive team culture.
During the 2023 season, Rashawnna Gibson set two new individual school records. She achieved a time of 11.85 seconds in the 100m dash and 24.96 seconds in the 200m. Additionally, Addi Wyatt also made her mark by setting two new school records. She recorded a time of 57.01 seconds in the 400m and 2:10.76 in the 800m. Wyatt earned All-Conference status in the 800m both indoors and outdoors during the 2023 season.
Atkins was officially announced as the new head coach of the program on November 12, 2020, after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant track coach at Western Carolina University. While at WCU, he was instrumental in helping guide the Catamounts to a 2019 Southern Conference men’s indoor and outdoor championship sweep, as well as a women’s indoor runner-up finish in 2019, and a 2020 men’s indoor second-place showing.
Before joining Utah Tech University, Atkins made a significant impact on Western Carolina University program and was recognized as the university's men's Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, the team achieved notable accomplishments, including the highest men's team GPA, two Southern Conference Team Championships, and the success of eight Southern Conference Champions, 25 Southern Conference All-Conference athletes, and two NCAA Regional Qualifiers.
Before joining Western Carolina University, Atkins spent three years as the Assistant Track & Field Coach, specializing in sprints and relays, at Kennesaw State University. During his time at Kennesaw State, he played a key role in the team's success, contributing to six Men's Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Atlantic Sun Championships, as well as the first Women's Indoor and Outdoor Atlantic Sun Championships. Atkins coached 32 Atlantic Sun Individual Champions and 83 All-Atlantic Sun Conference athletes.
Under Atkins' coaching, Hannah Woods achieved remarkable success in 2017 at Kennesaw State University. She set two new school records, recording a time of 7.47 seconds in the 60m event and 11.48 seconds in the 100m event. These outstanding performances highlighted Woods' exceptional speed and athleticism, showcasing her talent and dedication. Furthermore, Atkins' coaching played a crucial role in Woods' qualification for the NCAA East Regional in the 100m event during her senior year. In addition to Woods' individual success, Atkins also demonstrated his ability to develop and lead successful relay teams. Under his coaching, the Women's 4x100m relay team qualified for the NCAA East Regional in 2017. This achievement further highlights Atkins' coaching skills and his ability to bring out the best in his athletes.
Under Atkins' coaching in 2018, Jocselyn Powell achieved remarkable success in the hurdles events at Kennesaw State University. She set three new school records, recording times of 8.34 seconds in the 60m hurdles, 13.23 seconds in the 100m hurdles, and 57.28 seconds in the 400m hurdles. Furthermore, his coaching played a crucial role in Powell's success at the national level. Under his guidance, Powell earned All-American status in the 400m hurdles in (2017).
During his illustrious athletic career, Atkins achieved remarkable success in track and field. He represented his native country, the Bahamas, in the 100m event at both the Beijing (2008) and London (2012) Summer Olympics, reaching the semifinals on both occasions.
Atkins also competed in three World Track and Field Championships, where he showcased his exceptional talent. In one of these championships, he secured a Silver Medal in the 100m event, setting a national record for the Bahamas with a remarkable time of 9.91 seconds.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Atkins was inducted into the Dickinson State University (N.D) Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. Additionally, he was honored as a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2013, in the athlete category. During his four years at Dickinson State University, Atkins excelled in both indoor and outdoor track and field.
Atkins holds impressive records in both indoor and outdoor conference sprints, which still stand to this day. He played a pivotal role in leading his team to four Dakota Athletic Conference championships. Furthermore, Atkins is a seven-time N.A.I.A National champion, securing national titles in the 55m, 100m, and 200m events in 2003, 2004, and 2005. His exceptional performances earned him the distinction of being a 15-time All-American in the sprints and relays.
Under Atkins' leadership, Dickinson State University achieved great success, winning two consecutive N.A.I.A National Outdoor championships in 2004 and 2005, and finishing as runners-up in 2003. His contributions to the sport of track and field have left an indelible mark on both his university and his country.
Coach Atkins has a Master's Degree in Recreation and Sport Science from Ohio University in 2019 and a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Dickinson State University in 2011. Having a supportive wife like Angie Atkins, and two beautiful children, Jayden Atkins and Dash Atkins.
