Lake Minneola, Fla. – Lake Minneola High School’s Kai Evans, widely regarded as one of the fastest high school track and field athletes in the nation, has officially signed with Mississippi State University to continue his track and field career at the NCAA Division I level.

Evans, who enters his senior year with a storied resume, became the fastest high school 400-meter hurdler in the United States during the 2024 season and has his sights set on reclaiming that title in 2025. Along the way, he plans to leave his mark by capturing four Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championship medals in his final season—a feat narrowly missed due to injury earlier this year.

“I intend not only to be the fastest but to win four FHSAA state championship medals in 2025,” Evans said. “This year, I intend to make it happen.”

Evans’ talent and drive have earned him numerous accolades, including Florida Athlete of the Year in 2024 and runner-up for the prestigious Gatorade National Athlete of the Year. He is a New Balance National Champion and claimed an AAU national title in 2023.

Track and field runs in Evans’ blood. His father, Omar Evans, excelled in the sport during his own high school and college days, a legacy Kai has embraced and built upon since bursting onto the scene as a freshman.

Beyond the track, Evans has drawn interest as a two-sport athlete, excelling as a cornerback on the football field. Powerhouse programs like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia have pursued him, but Evans is laser-focused on his Olympic aspirations and has signed with Mississippi State University where he will compete against the top talent in the USA.

“I will be in college by the time the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials are happening,” Evans said. “I was supposed to go to Oregon and qualify earlier this year, but an injury prevented me from going.”

Mississippi State will serve as the next step in Evans’ journey, a decision he made with support from his family, including his younger sister Olivia, who is just beginning her own track and field career.

“She loves to wear my medals when I win,” Evans said with a grin, adding that he encourages her to work hard and ignore negativity. “What others think doesn’t matter. Know who you are at the end of the day and strive to be the best you can be.”

With aspirations to break high school world records in the 400-meter hurdles and 110-meter hurdles, Evans remains unwavering in his dedication. His mantra, “Live without regrets and don’t waste time,” will guide him through what promises to be a historic senior season.

Mississippi State fans can look forward to welcoming one of the country’s premier young athletes as Evans prepares to make an impact on the collegiate and, ultimately, international stage.