San Mateo state champion speedster signs NLI to take her talents to San Jose State

SAN FRANCISCO - Yan-Jun Sophie Liao, a key member of College of San Mateo Women’s Track and Field team, has signed a National Letter of Intent with San José State University. Liao is an international student and also a national team member of Chinese Taipei.

Last season, Liao became the first Asian to achieve both victories in women’s 100- and 200- meter sprint events at the 2019 California College State Championships, and became one of California’s top recruits.

“Due to this current global health crisis, not being able to finish this track season with my CSM teammates was the hardest part of signing this NLI," she said. "Fortunately, with the support of everyone at CSM, I am ready to take on a new challenge, both academically and on the track. I am excited to have this opportunity to compete at the Division I level.”

Liao is joining San José State’s legendary track and field program. It earned the nickname Speed City since the 1960s when the iconic Spartan team was coached by Bud Winter, and included Tommie Smith, Lee Evans, John Carlos and Ronnie Ray Smith, who all took part in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.

(Courtesy ABC Basketball)