From the open land of Christiana, Tennessee, to the competitive stages of Division I track & field, Preston Fuller has always been driven by growth—both as an athlete and as a person. Now in his second year with Tennessee State men's track & field, the sophomore continues to emerge as a key contributor, fueled by family, faith, and a relentless desire to improve.
Christiana is home in every sense of the word for Fuller. Surrounded by wide-open country and natural beauty, it's where he first developed a love for the outdoors—a passion that still shapes who he is today. When he's not training or competing, Fuller can often be found hiking, fishing, hunting, or lifting, embracing the same environment that helped mold him early on.
Track entered his life through family ties. Inspired by his older sisters, Fuller initially stepped onto the track with a competitive spark—and a little sibling rivalry. "I thought I could do it to beat them," he said. That mindset stuck. One of his earliest memories in the sport dates back to seventh grade, when he surprised himself by throwing the discus an impressive distance as a skinny middle schooler. It was a small moment, but one that hinted at his untapped potential.
That potential has continued to unfold at Tennessee State. Fuller chose TSU for its culture and coaching staff, describing the program as a true family—something that mattered deeply as a transfer athlete. "It feels like everyone is there for each other," he said. "You're always being pushed to be better."
On the track, Fuller has seen noticeable growth since arriving in Nashville. His jumping ability and overall speed have taken significant strides, helping him become more versatile and competitive. One of his proudest accomplishments so far came early—scoring at the conference level as a freshman. That breakthrough set the tone for what he believes is still to come.
Now as a sophomore, Fuller says the biggest difference is confidence and understanding. "I feel like I have a hang of things more and can handle change a lot better," he said. Learning when to lock in and when to relax has helped sharpen both his mindset and performance. He's also embraced patience, a lesson learned during his freshman season. "Things take time," Fuller said. "Trusting the process is huge."
This season, he's stepping into a larger role, aiming to contribute more points for the Tigers. His goals are ambitious—setting his sights on the school records in both the heptathlon and decathlon. It's a challenge that reflects his competitive nature and belief in long-term development.
Away from competition, Fuller's personality adds another layer to his presence on the team. Self-described as the funniest teammate, he balances his outdoorsy lifestyle with a love for anime and comics. His go-to hype song before meets is "Headlines" by Drake, and he sticks to one pre-meet superstition without fail: eating chocolate the day before competition—a habit that dates back to high school PRs.
A business administration major, Fuller is thinking just as seriously about life after track. His goals are grounded and personal—to secure a successful career in business and provide for his future family. Faith plays a central role in how he approaches both athletics and life, a perspective he wishes he could have shared with his younger self: be patient and trust God's plan.
For Fuller, being part of TSU Track & Field is about more than results. "It means being part of a family," he said. "Being there when someone needs something and always supporting each other."
As his career continues to build momentum, Preston Fuller remains focused on progress—one jump, one race, and one season at a time.