Porchia "Ann" Brissett was the first star of UMass Boston's legendary track and field run during the mid-1980s. It was no coincidence that her arrival at UMass Boston coincided with the emergence of the UMass Boston women's team as a national Division III track and field power. In her three years at UMB, she became UMass Boston's first track and field All-American and earned All-America status eight times during her career, including four individual NCAA championships. She was a member of the 1984 and 1986 outdoor championship 4X400 relay squads, and captured the 1985 indoor triple jump title, as well as the 1986 outdoor crown for the 400 meter hurdles. Brissett was an integral member of the first three NCAA track and field team championships at UMass Boston, being named captain, while helping the Beacons to the 1985 and 1986 indoor titles as well as the 1986 outdoor championship. The 1988 UMass Boston graduate was recognized for her outstanding achievements by being named the Division III New England College Athletic Conference Female Athlete of the Year in 1985 for her junior year. Brissett was also a recipient of a special award by the NAACP at its Diamond Anniversary Banquet. Her domination was felt throughout New England achieving All-ECAC status eight times and was also a five-time All-New England performer. Brissett holds an indoor record at UMass Boston for the triple jump and outdoor records in the triple jump and the 400-meter hurdles.