ATLANTA — Georgia State rising sophomore Marissa Palmer has been selected to represent Jamaica in the upcoming Junior Pan American Games (PANAM GAMES- U23). 

Palmer will compete in the 200-meter dash and participate on Jamaica's 4x100-meter relay team.

"It means a lot to be in a position where I can represent both my country and my university at this level," Palmer said. "This is my first time running for my country, and it's something I've been working towards for a long time. Being chosen for this opportunity is such an honor, and I don't take it lightly. I'm looking forward to everything that comes with this experience, from the high-level competition to connecting with other athletes. I want to make my country, my school, and everyone who supports me proud."

This international opportunity follows a standout freshman campaign for Palmer, who quickly emerged as a key contributor to the Georgia State women's track and field program. In her first season with the Panthers, Palmer broke two school records, the 100-meter and 200-meter events, and became the only member of the team to qualify for the NCAA Championship prelims.
She appeared in 11 meets during her debut season, participating in 33 total events. At the Sunday Night Qualifier at App State on May 18, Palmer recorded two personal-best marks: an 11.40 in the 100-meter dash (1st place) and a 23.09 in the 200-meter dash (2nd place), securing her NCAA East Prelims berth. She also helped lead the 4x100 relay team to a third-place finish with a time of 45.29.

Palmer continued to deliver strong performances at the Sun Belt Outdoor Track and Field Championships (May 8–10), posting three top 10 finishes: sixth in the 200-meter (25.53), eighth in the 100-meter (11.49), and fifth in the 4x400 relay (3:43.08). Earlier in the season, she helped the 4x100 team to a fifth-place finish (44.96) at the Michael Johnson Invitational (April 18–19) and placed fifth individually in the 100-meter at the UCF Black & Gold Challenge (11.60). During indoor competition, she posted a personal-best 7.46 in the 60-meter dash at the Stan Scott Invite & Multis and earned runner-up honors in the event at the UAB Vulcan Invitational (7.55).

Palmer opened her collegiate career at the Clemson Opener (Dec. 6), where she posted a personal-best 40.33 in the 300-meter and a 4:02.96 in the 4x400. She later won both the 200-meter (24.16) and the 4x400 (3:51.36) at the 2025 KMS Invitational (Jan. 19), contributing to multiple top finishes for Georgia State throughout the season.

"Marissa's achievement of earning a spot on the Jamaica U23 team is nothing short of extraordinary," GSU head coach Ricardo Page said. "This accomplishment showcases her unwavering dedication and hard work, which have propelled her growth throughout the season. Moreover, it sets a new standard for our program as we continue our journey toward becoming a championship team."
 
Palmer is set to compete in the PANAM Games-U23 in Asunción, Paraguay from Aug. 9-23.
 
About the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association is the national governing body for athletics in Jamaica. Headquartered in Kingston and led by President Garth Gayle JP, the JAAA is committed to the promotion, development, and regulation of athletics across the island. The association organizes competitions and provides opportunities for Jamaican athletes to compete and grow at all levels, playing a central role in the development of track and field in Jamaica.