Chalk Up One More For Crimson Tide: Emily Edwards Picks Alabama

The college decision is in for Fort Myers senior Emily Edwards. Edwards finished fifth at the Cross Country Finals as a junior and won the 1600 meter state championship, picked the University of Alabama over FSU, and the University of Florida. See what factored into her decision and what she is looking forward to the most about running for the Crimson Tide.

What was the recruiting process like for you?

The recruiting process was a little overwhelming, but definitely a very exciting time! It's really neat to have coaches contact you to say that they are interested in having you on their team. The process is almost the "cherry on top" on my high school running experience.  

Where did you take official visits to?

I took official visits to the University of Florida, the University of Alabama, and Florida State University.  I took the visits in this order back-to-back-to-back. This made for a very busy, yet amazing September!  Each school had great things to offer, and I truly liked all of them.

You ultimately chose the University of Alabama. What sold you about the Crimson Tide?

 

In my opinion, Alabama had the total package. From the staff, the team, the facilities, the academics, everything. Literally within minutes of being on the campus, I could imagine myself living there for my college years. The visit simply got better and better from there.

It's just the start of your senior year. Why did you decide to commit this early?

 

I committed now because I wanted to have the feeling of knowing where I am going early on in my senior year and that feeling is setting in. Knowing where I am going to school does lift a huge weight off of my shoulders.I can now focus on finishing my senior cross country season strong. Also, the coaches that I was talking to wanted a decision during my cross country season, so I couldn't let these opportunities slip away!

 

Tuscaloosa will have a Florida flare. Connor Ferrentino just committed and the Tide already have Olivia Ortiz and Katelyn Greenleaf on their roster, two girls who you know well. How did that familiarity help in the decision process?

 

Knowing that Katelyn and Olivia are at Alabama is a definite bonus, and I am really excited to be competing with them for the next few years! To finally run with them instead of against them will be a really cool feeling. They reached out to me during the process and made me feel welcome! However, having the opportunity to visit the campus and getting to meet Coach Tribble and the team in person sold me.

A state title in the 1600 meters  as a junior, and a great high school career. What has been your proudest moment?

 

My proudest moment in my high school career would probably have to be winning the Race of Champions at FlRunners my junior year.  I struggled immensely my sophomore year, and I didn't find out that I was extremely iron deficient until the end of that year. I even considered quitting running, because I was struggling so much. I was hearing people say things about me that weren't true. After figuring out what was wrong, it was definitely a sign of relief, but still didn't begin to feel better until the start of my junior year. My season was starting off on a good note and I slowly began to regain my confidence. The ROC was the best experience and it made me realize that you should never give up, ever.

 

Now that the recruiting process is all over what are your goals at the next level and what are you looking forward to the most?

 

In college, I hope to become a stronger runner, and to enjoy the college running experience.  I do not do any weight training currently, so starting that process excites me.  Overall, I want to help contribute to the team as much as I can. I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Alabama family!  Growing up in an SEC family, I knew I wanted to attend an SEC University. Having such an amazing opportunity to run for Alabama simply fit my dream. Roll Tide!

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