Niceville's Alexis Sherwin Sold On Air Force Academy Moment She Stepped On Campus


(Photo by Tyler Copeland)

Until recently, the Air Force Academy and Niceville senior Alexis Sherwin didn't seem like a good fit. Then again, before 2016, running wasn't really on Sherwin's radar either.

Since she was 3, Sherwin played soccer, a sport she calls "a major aspect" of her character today. From 2005-2007, she played for the Emerald Coast Club in Niceville, coached by Tim Brown. When her dad, an Air Force colonel (now retired), was re-stationed back in Niceville years later, she found herself playing for Brown yet again, now on the high school level.

Then, injuries hit. After tearing her ACL for the first time as a sophomore, she tore it again junior year, ending her soccer career for good.

"Although soccer taught me countless lessons and provided many qualities, God had another plan for me," Sherwin said. "Thinking my athletic career was over, I turned to track and field the spring of my junior year just to be involved in a sport and be a part of a team again."

And Sherwin didn't just participate, managing to cut down her 800 time to a PR of 2:14.00 at the 3A state track meet, placing second and just .20 seconds off a state title. She also was a part of Niceville's 4x800 relay, which placed third in the state with a 9:35.12, and the 4x400 relay, which placed eighth with a 4:02.45.

Sherwin continued that success into her first-ever cross country season, running a PR of 18:48.50 at the 3AR2 meet to take second. She was the Niceville's third scorer at the state meet en route to a state title, a particularly sweet one for Sherwin.

"I have my cross country and track family to thank for being more than anything I could ask for following my soccer injury," she said. "Falling just short of a state championship title the previous year in soccer, I was blown away to have been a part of such an experience."

When she started receiving interest from college coaches, Sherwin started to consider the idea of running in college. Narrowed down her choices to Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, University of Florida, Auburn, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy. At first, the Air Force Academy was the lowest on her list.

"My mind was set on Navy when I took my visit [to Air Force] but this mindset was altered about an hour after I arrived on campus," she said. "I was absolutely shocked at the friendless of the team, the quality of the facilities, enthusiasm of the Coach and the school in general."

Soon after that, she decided on the Air Force. She decided to surprise her parents with the decision with a card and an Air Force Academy shirt, wrapped as a present, on Christmas, a day with "tears of joy and happiness", says Sherwin, who says she's ready for the challenges of service academy and collegiate running.

Challenges Niceville coach Jamie LaFollette says Sherwin is ready to face.

"Due to her young 'running age', I think that Alexis has a tremendous upside," LaFollette said. "She brings some outstanding leg speed and strength which I think will allow her to be successful at the next level in the 800 and 1500."

Until then, Sherwin and the rest of the Niceville team has their sights set on a strong track season.

"[We] have been working hard already to reach the new goals set. With our eyes set on States, both 800 and 400 relay teams are projected to place at state. Personally, I'd like to break 2:10 in the 800 and try the mile this year."

"I am extremely excited to see where I go in the future at the academy however...I am excited to join an already thriving team and be a part of such a strong program."


Personal Bests

  • 800m - 2:14.00
  • 5K (xc) - 18:48.50

More Coverage