It didn't cross Michael Norman's mind that Caryl Smith Gilbert was a woman. His only thought was that she could make him a winner.
Five years ago, Gilbert became the first woman director of track and field at USC, tasked with leading both the men's and women's teams. She was also the first woman to hold the position in the Pac-12 Conference.
On Friday, Gilbert will welcome the four other women directors and their teams to Loker Stadium and Cromwell Field on USC's campus to compete in the "Power 5 Trailblazer Challenge."
The meet is the first of its kind in track and field and an event Gilbert began planning more than a year ago to promote the need for more opportunities for women in leadership roles.