The verbal commitments keep rolling in. The latest one is from Lydia Miller, who's confirmed with MileSplit that she's set to take her talents to Lipscomb University next year. Miller will continue her studies and represent the Nashville, Tennessee-based private school in cross country and distance track events.
Miller is a key member of Thomas Worthington's No. 9 ranked Division 1 XC squad, who will toe the line on Saturday at the OHSAA State Championship meet. From an individual stand point, she's been a model of consistency during the 2019 cross country campaign, with top 10 finishes in nine of her eleven starts, including a 1st place effort at the Pickerington North Classic and a personal best 5k clocking of 18:06.20 at her home meet, the Les Eisenhart Invite.
On the track, Miller represents the Cardinals' formidable 4x800 unit, who took victories at the 2019 MileSplit / SPIRE Scholastic Showcase, the OATCCC Indoor State Championship and the OHSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship. Aside from relay action, Miller is a perennial contender in 1600m races, with pr's of 5:08.77 (indoor) and 5:06.48 (outdoor).
She'll join fellow Ohioan, Colbi Borland of Big Walnut, who announced her commitment a few weeks ago, in Nashville.
Miller shared her thoughts with MileSplit on what went into the big decision -
"I chose Lipscomb because I felt everything just fell into place. I loved the team, they were so closely knit and welcoming. I also really loved the coaching staff, I want to go into nursing so I was encouraged that they were so supportive of that decision. The program they have is very competitive and that is something that I am looking forward to being able to contribute to. The school itself was also wonderful. They have a phenomenal nursing program and the campus was gorgeous."
"Coach Cox has been incredible during my college search. He has always been willing to reach out to coaches, answer questions about training, and fill me in on what he knows about different programs. He has pushed me as a runner to meet my potential and I am so thankful that he has been my coach for the past four years. My teammates also have been super encouraging. Having older teammates like Gia Napoleon go through this process ahead of me and giving me insight has been very helpful. I have always been close with my teammates, so I knew that is something I wanted in college as well. I love that my teammates are also my best friends and I will miss my high school team dearly, but I am looking forward to building new relationships at Lipscomb."
(Lydia Miller and teammate, Carina Napoleon work together, both in the XC field and on the track)
MileSplit caught up with the victorious team from Thomas Worthington at the Pick North XC Classic -