Highland's Neal signs to run track and field at Delaware State

Rebecca Neal, a multi-sport star, will compete in the heptathlon for the Division I HBCU program.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:07am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a track and field competition, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange intersecting to create a dynamic, multi-angled composition that captures the energy and movement of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a versatile track and field athlete's journey to an HBCU program.Dover Today

Highland High School's Rebecca Neal, a standout multi-sport athlete and the 2024-25 Female Metro Athlete of the Year, has signed to compete in the heptathlon for Division I Delaware State University, an HBCU school in Dover, Delaware.

Why it matters

Neal's versatility as a track and field athlete, competing in six of the seven field events plus sprints, makes her signing with Delaware State's program a significant acquisition for the HBCU school. Her decision to attend an HBCU also reflects a growing trend among top high school athletes.

The details

Neal, 18, is qualified for the state championships in the shot put, discus, high jump, 100m, and 200m. In addition to her track and field prowess, she also plays soccer and basketball for Highland High, and is the reigning state champion in powerlifting.

  • On Monday, Neal signed her National Letter of Intent to compete for Delaware State.
  • The state powerlifting competition is coming up this weekend in Rio Rancho.

The players

Rebecca Neal

A multi-sport athlete at Highland High School who was named the 2024-25 Female Metro Athlete of the Year.

Delaware State University

A Division I HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) school located in Dover, Delaware where Neal will compete in the heptathlon.

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What they’re saying

“Delaware State, in Dover, is an HBCU school, which Neal said was one of the attractions signing there.”

— Rebecca Neal

The takeaway

Neal's decision to attend an HBCU for her collegiate track and field career reflects a growing trend among top high school athletes seeking to compete at the Division I level while also supporting historically Black institutions.