Wright Named Rhodes Scholar Finalist
November 06, 2025 | Track & Field, Athletic Academics
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State senior track and field athlete Tafada Wright has been named a finalist for the prestigious international Rhodes Scholarship.
The scholarship provides full financial support for students pursuing postgraduate education at the University of Oxford – the first institution of its kind in the English-speaking world and one of the world's leading institutions of higher learning.
"I am incredibly honored to be a finalist for this prestigious award," said Wright. "It's a reflection of the hard work that I've put forward academically, and I'm committed to making the most of this opportunity. I am motivated to keep striving for excellence and give back to the community that has poured so much into me."
Selection as a Rhodes Scholarship finalist is based on a combination of factors including academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to serving others.
Wright, a senior thrower on the track and field team, has been a shining star for MSU during her time in Starkville. The President's List scholar has been a leader both on the track, in the classroom and beyond.
"Tafada is an exceptional young woman, and this distinction is incredibly deserved," MSU track and field head coach Chris Woods. "She represents the program well and is an example of the athletes and people that this program produces."
Wright, a Spanish Town, Jamaica, native, is studying communications with a concentration in broadcast and digital journalism. She is vice president of the Black Student-Athlete Alliance and a member of the Caribbean Student Association, Black Student Association and I.D.E.A.L. Women. The three-time SEC Honor Roll athlete is set to participate in the final Rhodes Scholarship interview round in Kingston, Jamaica, later this month.
In addition to her academic success, Wright has been a consistent contributor to the track and field program. Ahead of her senior season, Wright has cemented herself as one of the best throwers in program history. She owns multiple MSU top-five, all-time marks in her events and has also been a Southeastern Conference finalist in the weight throw.
"It's an extraordinary accomplishment to be named a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, and we couldn't be prouder of Tafada," Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. "She reflects the very essence of what it means to be a Mississippi State student-athlete, pursuing greatness in competition, academics and service. Tafada's determination, intellect and character continue to elevate those around her, and she stands as a tremendous example of the values that define our outstanding university."
Wright is one of three Rhodes Scholarship finalists from Mississippi State University this year. MSU has had 12 Rhodes finalists in 14 years. Wright is the second finalist who was also a Bulldog student-athlete, with the first being Reese Dunne, a former track and field runner. Wright is also the first finalist for State by way of Jamaica.
The scholarship provides full financial support for students pursuing postgraduate education at the University of Oxford – the first institution of its kind in the English-speaking world and one of the world's leading institutions of higher learning.
"I am incredibly honored to be a finalist for this prestigious award," said Wright. "It's a reflection of the hard work that I've put forward academically, and I'm committed to making the most of this opportunity. I am motivated to keep striving for excellence and give back to the community that has poured so much into me."
Selection as a Rhodes Scholarship finalist is based on a combination of factors including academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to serving others.
Wright, a senior thrower on the track and field team, has been a shining star for MSU during her time in Starkville. The President's List scholar has been a leader both on the track, in the classroom and beyond.
"Tafada is an exceptional young woman, and this distinction is incredibly deserved," MSU track and field head coach Chris Woods. "She represents the program well and is an example of the athletes and people that this program produces."
Wright, a Spanish Town, Jamaica, native, is studying communications with a concentration in broadcast and digital journalism. She is vice president of the Black Student-Athlete Alliance and a member of the Caribbean Student Association, Black Student Association and I.D.E.A.L. Women. The three-time SEC Honor Roll athlete is set to participate in the final Rhodes Scholarship interview round in Kingston, Jamaica, later this month.
In addition to her academic success, Wright has been a consistent contributor to the track and field program. Ahead of her senior season, Wright has cemented herself as one of the best throwers in program history. She owns multiple MSU top-five, all-time marks in her events and has also been a Southeastern Conference finalist in the weight throw.
"It's an extraordinary accomplishment to be named a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, and we couldn't be prouder of Tafada," Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. "She reflects the very essence of what it means to be a Mississippi State student-athlete, pursuing greatness in competition, academics and service. Tafada's determination, intellect and character continue to elevate those around her, and she stands as a tremendous example of the values that define our outstanding university."
Wright is one of three Rhodes Scholarship finalists from Mississippi State University this year. MSU has had 12 Rhodes finalists in 14 years. Wright is the second finalist who was also a Bulldog student-athlete, with the first being Reese Dunne, a former track and field runner. Wright is also the first finalist for State by way of Jamaica.
Players Mentioned
Throws
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