Cocoa Beach senior Shelby Davidson put an end to her recruitment when she announced she would be attending the University of Florida. Shelby is the second Davidson to become a Gator joining brother Tyler who is currently a sophomore. We had the chance to talk to Shelby shortly after she made her decision about her choice, as well as what she'll remember the most from her high school career.
You chose the University of Florida over schools like Georgetown, UNC, Syracuse, UVA, and FSU. What was it that sold you on the Gators?
I chose UF because it was the best school all around. I couldn't find one thing I didn't like about it from the coaches, both boys and girls teams, the campus, plus all of the benefits that the athletes get. We get our own academic advisor as a team who helps us with classes and gets us books before any other regular students, plus tons of trainers, nutritionists who give you food and smoothies whenever you want, the student athlete/academic study center, the facilities, just everything. I get to be on a team with dedicated boys and girls who I know want to succeed as do I. I'm excited to have the chance to hopefully be a part of two national championship teams, XC and track.
How much of a role did your brother Tyler who is a sophomore play in your decision and what advice did he give you in the recruiting process?
I honestly tried to prevent my brother from affecting my decision because it is wrong to choose a school just based off one person. I did just that and I did not let him being at UF change my mind or anything, but of course it is a plus that he is there. It will be so awesome to be on the team with him for two years, but it wasn't a huge factor. He really just gave me advice to be relaxed and try to stay stress free during the recruiting process, and really have fun with it. On the visits and during the recruiting process in general you meet so many amazing people, and you have to enjoy every minute.
This freshman class for the Gators is shaping up to be a great one with Julie Macedo of Deleware and yourself. On the boys side Ryan Schnulle and Elliot Clemente, and possibly more commitments before the season is over. How excited are you to be a part of this youth movement in Gainesville?
I think we have a really solid group coming in this year and we had a great one come in last year. I am so excited to run with Julie Macedo and I think we can both contribute something really special to this team. The boys are going to be really good as well with Elliot and Ryan coming in. I can't wait to see how the teams do next year. Plus don't forget about all of the sprinters and track and field athletes who have committed. Hopefully a National Championship in track as well is in the near future!
Before you know it you will be up in Gainesville. What are your goals and what are you looking forward to the most?
My goals are to make the travel team and hopefully score which would be amazing! I really just want to run my best and hopefully I will be one of those freshman that people talk and wonder about. I'm looking forward to being on such an amazing team with great runners who are all dedicated and know how to have tons of fun, but also know how to be serious when it's necessary. I can't wait to be in Gainesville and start fresh at college.
You only started running as a sophomore, but finished second in 2010 and won the 2A state championship as a senior. You were a Foot Locker Finalist in 2010 and narrowly missed a return trip to San Diego by a second. How would you sum up your high school career?
My high school career was pretty short considering I just started running in 10th grade, but really it was just a stepping stone in what lies ahead of me. I think my story of playing softball and other sports for ten years and then randomly starting running can be something that other girls relate to. I hope my career will be an inspiration to other runners who will realize that you can do anything that you put your mind to. The day I started running was the day I fell in love with it and right then I decided to dedicate myself fully. I never would have thought I would a State Champion or Foot Locker National Finalist. With hard work things like that can be achieved so I am extremely happy with how my high school career went and I couldn't have asked for anything more.
What will you remember the most?
I will remember all of the memories that I made with the people I love, my teammates, and all the friends I made along the way. I have met the most amazing people throughout my career and I know many of them will be lifelong friends.
Personal Bests
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1600 Meter Run5:00.95
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3200 Meter Run10:39.34
5000 Meter Run
17:27.82
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