UMass Boston

Porchia "Ann" Brissett was the first star of UMass Boston'slegendary track and field run during the mid-1980s. It was nocoincidence that her arrival at UMass Boston coincided with theemergence of the UMass Boston women's team as a national DivisionIII track and field power. In her three years at UMB, she becameUMass Boston's first track and field All-American and earnedAll-America status eight times during her career, including fourindividual NCAA championships. She was a member of the 1984 and1986 outdoor championship 4X400 relay squads, and captured the 1985indoor triple jump title, as well as the 1986 outdoor crown for the400 meter hurdles. Brissett was an integral member of the firstthree NCAA track and field team championships at UMass Boston,being named captain, while helping the Beacons to the 1985 and 1986indoor titles as well as the 1986 outdoor championship.

The 1988 UMass Boston graduate was recognized for heroutstanding achievements by being named the Division III NewEngland College Athletic Conference Female Athlete of the Year in1985 for her junior year. Brissett was also a recipient of aspecial award by the NAACP at its Diamond Anniversary Banquet. Herdomination was felt throughout New England achieving All-ECACstatus eight times and was also a five-time All-New Englandperformer. Brissett holds an indoor record at UMass Boston for thetriple jump and outdoor records in the triple jump and the400-meter hurdles.