Former Effingham County High School track star Gabrielle Houston was one of four Charleston Southern University athletes named the Big South track and field athletes of the year.

Houston and 4x100 meter relay teammates, Dionne Gibson, Jessica Thomas and Misha Morris, became the first relay team in Big South history to earn a bid to the NCAAs and to earn all-American honors. The quartet set a Big South record with a time of 44.35 seconds in the semifinals of the NCAA Track and Field Championships. They placed eighth in the finals, with a time of 44.67.

“These four young ladies have paved the way in CSU and Big South history by doing some monumental things,” said coach Tosha Ansley. “Not only were they the first relay team, male or female, to qualify for NCAA nationals, they went the distance and advanced to the finals by running 44.35 to lower their previous Big South and CSU record. Now they receive another first by becoming the first relay team to earn this honor from the conference. It truly is an honor.”

Houston also competed in the USA Junior National Championships in the 200-meter dash in Eugene, Ore., this weekend. She placed seventh in 24.12 seconds after posting the fifth-best time (23.9) in the first round.

Houston is the daughter of Patrick and Pamala Wallace of Springfield.