From the Vault: Najuma Fletcher
Panther, Olympian, Hall of Famer
Eric Davies
Najuma Fletcher stands as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the University of Pittsburgh, regardless of sport or era. Her 14 first team all-american selections, six Big East championships, two national titles, and Olympic team selection fill a resume unmatched by any who came before or since.
Fletcher's track & field journey began in gym class at the age of nine and lead to her representing Guyana in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. The Guyanese delegation featured only 6 athletes in '92, of which Fletcher was the only woman.
I had to keep reminding myself just where I was.Fletcher on her Olympic experience
Fletcher was recruited by fellow Pitt hall of famer, coach Steve Lewis who was impressed by her natural athletic ability, sportsmanship and general well-rounded personality. Before she took part in any competitive running Fletcher was an accomplished classical violinist, traveling and performing internationally.
Fletcher became the first woman in Pitt history to win an individual NCAA track and field title when she captured the 1995 indoor triple jump. In 1996, she added the NCAA indoor high jump championship.
Better than asking what Najuma can do, ask what there is that Najuma cannot do.Head Track & Field Coach Steve Lewis
Despite all her athletic achievements Fletcher is most proud of the work she did in the classroom. "My biggest accomplishment was definitely graduating with both my graduate and undergraduate degrees," Fletcher said. "For most student-athletes that is the goal to be able to do that, so I was very pleased and appreciate that I was able to complete both my undergraduate and my graduate degrees at Pitt." Fletcher was named the 1996 Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year while studying mechanical engineering. Pitt's strong engineering program was one of the draws that brought Fletcher to Pitt, looking to follow in her engineer father's footsteps while she competed.
Even more excited for her Pitt Hall of Fame induction then Fletcher was her husband and fellow Forever Panther Brett Shields. "Oh, he was super excited," Fletcher said. "He's the one who's asking me all the details like when are we going, what are we doing, let's make the flights. He has been super happy for me as he always is for me. So I'm very thankful for him and for his support at all times."