Mildrett Netter-White

Gold Medalist & 2x Olympian

Was Alcorn your first choice of HBCU to attend?

No, Alcorn was not my first choice. I considered Tennessee State University, but they were not offering a scholarship. I wanted to continue my track career and none of the colleges and universities in Mississippi had a women’s track program.

What motivated you to continue to try to achieve despite personal obstacles?

Despite being rejected and not given a track scholarship because of my height and being a Mississippian, I was determined to leave the Mississippi Delta from picking and chopping cotton and get an education to make a better life for myself and my family.

As a 1968 Gold medalist 4 x 100-meter relay and two time Olympian (1972) how did that change your life coming from Rosedale, MS.?

The experience, education, exposure, and extensive travel I received prepared me to be successful in life, using my God given talent. After I participated in the Olympics, Alcorn created a women’s track program, and I was the first female to be on the track team and receive a full scholarship.

What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to make the Olympic team?

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was proving I could handle the pressure of performing on a world class stage with no previous international experience.

Who was your personal hero? Why?

My heroes were my mother, my high school and college coaches. Because of their encouragement and belief in me, I was able to succeed against difficult odds.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date related to Black History?

I feel my greatest accomplishment toward Black History, was being a pioneer in opening the doors of opportunity for many young women to get a track scholarship to attend the colleges and universalities in Mississippi.

What is your personal motto?

Always do your best, and God will do the rest.

What are the awards have you received for your accomplishments?

I have been inducted into numerous Hall of Fames, a historical marker and a street named in my honor in my hometown of Rosedale, MS. and the track named in my honor at my Alma Marta, Alcorn State University.

What sports did you coach?

The sports I coached were high school girls track, boys and girl’s cross country and Jr. High girls basketball.

When did you get inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame? Explain what it means.

I was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the elite athletes from my home state for outstanding accomplishments, as well as being an inspiration for future generations.

How does it feel to be honored by Alcorn to have a track and field named after you?

Having the track named after me as the “Mother of Alcorn’s Women’s Track Program,” and the first and only athlete in over fifty years who attended and represented a Mississippi HBCU in the Olympic Games, is a legacy I am truly proud of and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

What would you say to encourage the next generation?

Fine your God given talent. What you have a passion for, perfect it and let it be your road to success. The ingredients for success never change, always pray, get prepared and preserver.