Kerrison Let's Hurdle Talent Speak For Itself: Heading To South Florida To Join Hurricanes

Stefani Kerrison isn't a big talker. Even when I asked her some questions for this story, short responses were all I had to work with. The Jones senior lets her performances on the track do the talking for her. As a junior, she won the state championship in the 100 meter hurdles; her first year doing the event. She set a personal best of 13.86, but improved that mark in postseason competition, running a state leading time of 13.56 at the USATF National Junior Olympics. The success has paid off in terms of a college scholarship. Kerrison initially thought she would be headed to Clemson, but after a trip to in-state schools Florida State and the University of Miami she had a change of heart.

"I felt that the University of Miami would be the best choice for me. I love Coach Deem. She really cool and she's a top notch hurdle coach. I  also believe I would be able to get a good education there."

Deem, who served as the women's coach for the 2012 Olympics, has helped grow the University of Miami into a hurdling powerhouse. In addition to her duties as a 100 and 400 meter (college distance) hurdler, Kerrison will also compete in the heptathlon. It's an event she's only done two times at the USATF Junior Olympics and AAU Junior Olympics, but finds both interesting and fun. She says the distance events are her weakest.

"I would say the 800, but honestly I didn't train for the heptathlon until two weeks before nationals, because I train with Damu and Dennis (Mitchell) on the hurdles."

Although she is focused on winning state titles in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, as perhaps taking home some national titles to close out her senior year, Kerrison says she is looking forward to life after high school.

"I'm looking forward to training with all the great athletes there, meeting new people, and doing what I love to do. I can't wait."

More Coverage

• Stefani's Athlete Profile
• Class Of 2014 Commitments/Signings List