Carnell B. Coleman is a world-class sprinter, championship coach, and mentor whose impact on track and field spans more than two decades producing champions at every level: State, National, World, and Olympic.
A 400-meter specialist, Coleman competed for Savannah State University, where his explosive talent and relentless drive made him one of the program’s all-time greats. In 2003, he set the Savannah State school record in the 400 meters with a blazing 46.52 seconds, a record that still stands today. His collegiate success led to a professional career with Adidas, where he trained under the legendary Coach Dennis Mitchell and qualified for the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials and later on running 45.02 and relaying a split of 44.88 during his peak competitive years, Coleman was ranked Top 10 in the United States and Top 30 in the world in the 400 meters placing him among the elite quarter-milers of his era.
After his professional career, Coleman transitioned into coaching and over the past two decades, he has become one of the most decorated and respected coaches in Florida history.
During his 18-year tenure as Head Track & Field Coach at Suncoast High School, Coleman built a dynasty that redefined consistency and excellence. Under his leadership, Suncoast captured 15 District Championships, 4 Regional Titles, and he earned Coach of the Year honors 16 times. His program produced over 50 State Champions, dozens of collegiate scholarship athletes, and multiple athletes who went on to achieve national and international acclaim.
Among his elite protégés are:
Tony McQuay — 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, 4x World Champion, Bowerman Finalist, and 2x NCAA National Champion (University of Florida)
Antwan Wright — 6x NCAA All-American, 2x National Champion
Tasha Smith — All-American sprinter who ran 22.09 in the 200 meters and 51.22 in the 400 meters, ranking among the fastest American women of all time
To date, Coleman has coached over 60 Division I athletes and is recognized as the only coach in Palm Beach County history to have developed a State Champion, a National Champion, a World Champion, and an Olympic Gold Medalist.
Now leading the Cardinal Newman High School Track & Field and Cross-Country programs in West Palm Beach, Florida, Coach Coleman has already made history once again delivering Cardinal Newman’s first-ever State Championship. His Crusader squad dominated the state finals, winning 1st place in the 100, 200, 400, 800, 4×400, and 4×800, marking one of the most dominant state meet performances in Florida high school history.
Currently, Coach Coleman is developing one of the nation’s brightest young sprint talents Zamarii Sanders, the fastest sprinter in the state of Florida and one of the top-ranked high school athletes in the United States, who has posted personal bests of 10.19 seconds in the 100 meters and 20.05 seconds in the 200 meters. Sanders represents the next generation of world-class sprinters continuing Coach Coleman’s legacy of excellence.
In addition to his professional success, one of Coach Coleman’s proudest accomplishments is coaching his daughter, Alicia Coleman who went on to earn a Division I track scholarship to the University of Central Florida (UCF). At UCF, Alicia became one of the Top 10 fastest hurdlers in school history, running an outstanding 13.31 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles, extending her father’s legacy of excellence and athletic achievement.
Beyond the high school level, Coleman is the Co-founder of Team Elam Elite Track Club, a nationally respected youth and high school program, and the creator of the Speed Camp Series, which brings Olympians, professional athletes, and world-class coaches together to teach sprint mechanics, acceleration, and performance science to young athletes.
A coach, mentor, and father, Carnell B. Coleman’s story embodies excellence, perseverance, and faith. From record-breaking athlete to Olympic Trials qualifier to multi-time Coach of the Year, his journey continues to inspire athletes of all ages to pursue greatness both on and off the track.