Yassine Kamara

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration 
Next Steps: MBA program at Charleston Southern University, full track scholarship
Hometown: Hyattsville, Maryland

Yassine Kamara understands what it takes to succeed at a high level. As a member of the Bowie State University track and field team, she has won many events in shot put and discus and has been recognized for numerous achievements. She is graduating this winter with a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration and preparing to take her next step as both a scholar and an athlete. Kamara has earned multiple athletic achievements during her time at Bowie State, and she has applied the same discipline and drive that fuel her success in competition to her academic pursuits. After graduation, she plans to pursue her MBA and continue her track and field career at Charleston Southern University. 

“When I originally toured the Bowie State campus with the track coach, it just felt like home. I felt comfortable,” Kamara said. 

But being a collegiate athlete, maintaining her grades, working and finding social connections turned out to be a difficult challenge for Kamara. She struggled for her first 18 months at Bowie State to find a healthy balance. 

“At first, I didn’t really have any friends outside of track. It was a repetitive cycle of workout, practice, class, work, then go straight back to my room. I was having a hard time socially,” she said. 

In addition to sports and school, Kamara was also working two jobs at a nursing home and an assisted living facility. Her schedule didn’t leave much time for social interactions. She leaned into her time with the track team to build friendships with her teammates, who became a support system for her. 

“I’m an extreme introvert, and I didn’t really break out of that until my senior year,” she said. 

Kamara made the most of her time on the track and field team, accumulating many wins and honors. She is a three-time CIAA discus champion, a 2025 NCAA First Team All-American, the fall indoor 2024 Field Athlete of the Year, earned 11 medals across seven meets including seven gold and four silver, made history as Bowie State’s first All-American in track and field since 2010, was named to the 2025 USTFCCCA All-Region Team and recognized earlier in the season as the CIAA Female Field Athlete of the Week. 

Impact of Bowie State Experience 

In addition to her athletic achievements, Kamara has thrived academically thanks to several resources at Bowie State. She points to the Academic Advising Center, Career Development Center and tutoring services as essential to her academic success. 

“These resources helped me stay on track and maintain my spot on the Dean’s List every semester since majoring in health services administration,” Kamara said. 

She also credits the Wellness Center for helping her prioritize her physical and mental well-being while managing the demands of school and athletics. 

“Bowie State has provided me with the resources, experiences and support to grow into the person I am today,” she said. 

After graduation, Kamara plans to use her education from Bowie State University and her eventual MBA from Charleston Southern University to work in administration, human resources or management at a nursing home or senior care facility. 

“I’ve always known that I wanted to work with seniors,” Kamara said. 

Kamara leaves Bowie State University ready for what comes next, grounded in the values, preparation and confidence she gained as a Bulldog.