Gulf Coast senior Caroline Barlow spent the beginning of the cross country season touring the southeast on official college visits. The stops included the University of Florida, Ole Miss, and the University of Alabama. Barlow says she really enjoyed all three of her visits and each school offered wonderful opportunities, but it was Bama that stole her heart at the end of the day.
"The process was very exciting and also a little stressful! It is such a big decision, so I really wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. Taking visits early was helpful because I knew I wanted to make my decision before cross country was over. What sold me about Alabama was probably the team I really felt like I would get along with them well and have fun! During my visit I could really picture myself there. All the facilities are amazing and the campus is beautiful."
The Crimson Tide team has a Florida flare to it. Two weeks ago, Connor Ferrentino of Freedom committed. Last week, fellow southwest Florida runner and friend Emily Edwards joined the party. Also on the team, sophomore Katelyn Greenleaf of St. Petersburg and freshman Olivia Ortiz from Lakewood Ranch. Barlow says all the Florida girls really made her feel at home and helped seal the deal.
"I've known both Emily and Olivia for awhile so I am very excited to have them as teammates, along with Kaitlyn! Emily and I were looking at mostly the same schools so we were really hoping we would end up the same place. We have not picked our rooms yet, but I would love to room with her."
Now that the decision is finally behind her, Barlow can focus on her final year of running. Her list of accolades is impressive including top five finishes in both the 1600 and 3200 as a sophomore and as a junior, as well as a fourth place showing at the Cross Country Finals in 2012. She says her proudest moment came at the regional track meet her sophomore year and at Pre-States this year.
"It had to be when I broke five minutes in the 1600 meters and got my personal best of 10:51 in the 3200 meters. My brother had been in the hospital that week, so I was running for him. Another would be Pre-sSates this year when I won my first big meet and broke 18 minutes."
"It had to be when I broke five minutes in the 1600 meters and got my personal best of 10:51 in the 3200 meters. My brother had been in the hospital that week, so I was running for him. Another would be Pre-sSates this year when I won my first big meet and broke 18 minutes."
Her four years at Gulf Coast High School are just a taste of her potential. She says she is looking forward to running for the Crimson Tide and the next chapter of her running career.
"My goal is to take my ability to the next level and be able to compete with some of the top! I am really looking forward to being surrounded by a group of dedicated athletes who will push me to be better. I am also very excited to bond with the other girls and create memories."
Personal Bests
- 1,600 Meter Run: 4:58.91
- 3,200 Meter Run: 10:51.22
- 5,000 Meter Run: 17:53.99
