For most athletes, losing a pair of track spikes in the middle of a championship meet would signal the end of a podium run. For Nadia Jackson, it was just another hurdle to clear.
Before she was a sprinter for Radford University, Jackson was the backbone of the Pulaski County High School track and field program, known as much for her grit as her speed. Now a freshman competing at the Division I level for the Highlanders, Jackson’s journey from a Lady Cougar standout to a college athlete is defined by a relentless work ethic and academic excellence. 
During her tenure at Pulaski County, Jackson established herself as one of the most versatile athletes in the region. A multi-sport star, she balanced her time between the soccer field and the track, but it was in the sprints and jumps where she truly left her mark.
Her high school career reached its pinnacle during her senior season. At the 2025 VHSL Class 3 Indoor State Championships, Jackson cleared a personal-best 5 feet in the high jump to secure a second-place finish in the state. Her outdoor campaign was equally dominant, highlighted by a victory in the 200-meter dash at the Bearcat Invitational with a time of 27.72 seconds.
However, the defining moment of her "toughness" came earlier at the Region 3D Indoor Championships. After her shoes were stolen during the event, Jackson refused to withdraw. Competing under duress, she managed to clock a personal-best 7.60 seconds in the 55-meter dash to take second place and finished fourth in the high jump. 
"She is a seasoned competitor who rises to the occasion," the PCHS coaching staff noted following her state-qualifying performances. "Her grit is what sets her apart."
That resilience caught the eye of Radford University recruiters. Jackson joined the Highlanders’ sprints and relays unit for the 2025-2026 season. Radford Athletics recently featured Jackson in a profile titled "Jackson Overcomes Obstacles," highlighting her transition to the rigors of Division I competition.
Off the track, Jackson has remained equally disciplined. At Pulaski County, she was recognized as one of the "Leading Ten," a distinction given to the school's top student-athletes. That academic momentum has followed her to Radford, where she contributes to an athletic department that recently posted a cumulative student-athlete GPA of 3.45. 
As she moves into the heart of the collegiate season, Jackson remains a symbol of the Cougar Pride in Dublin—a reminder that talent may get you to the starting line, but toughness and grades are what carry you across the finish line.