Three Miami Northwestern seniors have made their college decisions. Thrower Amber Monroe, jumper Shannon Spence, and hurdler Keisha Richburg talk about where they will spend the next four years and what they will remember most about being a Lady Bull. Also, coach Carmen Jackson gives us her take on each athlete and their futures at the next level.
Monroe Stays At Home Goes With Hurricanes
Thrower Amber Monroe capped off her senior season with a state title in the discus and a third place finish in the shot put. Her personal best in the disc is 152-6 and 41-8.75 in the shotput.
Why did you choose the University of Miami? "I chose the University of Miami because I believe that Coach Hicks is a great throwing coach. I have developed a close bond with her during my recruiting process. She will help develop me into one of the top collegiate throwers."
What are you looking forward to the most? "I am looking forward to continuing to grow as a student athlete, earning a degree, and going that extra mile in my training so I can become the top thrower and an All-American."
What will you remember most from high school? "The thing I will remember most from Northwestern is the love and support that I received from coach Carmen Jackson. I will carry with me a very strong worth ethic and the drive to be the best at what I set out to do with a winning attitude."
Coach's Take: "The throwers don't usually get as much attention as the track athletes do. I think they should be put on the center of the track for spectators to watch. Amber is like a coach's dream. If I could get ten Ambers I would probably coach another ten years. She is so committed to the sport. She is dedicated in practice and outside of practice. The University of Miami came along midway through the recruiting process and they took the time to come out and see her body make up. She's probably going to be an Olympian some day. She has that kind of tenacity and drive and the talent to go with it."
Richburg Claws At Clemson Opportunity
Keisha Richburg had a breakout campaign her senior year. She won the 300 hurdles and was also a leg on the Lady Bull's winning 4x800 relay team. Her personal best time of 41.95 in the 300 hurdles is in the top ten nationally.
Why did you choose Clemson? "I chose Clemson because they have a great hurdle coach and I feel like I will really excel in their program. Also, I have two former teammates there from Northwestern, Brianna Rollins and Brittany Pringley. When I went on my visit I had a great time with the girls."
What will you remember most from high school? "I will remember my senior year the most. It was a breakout year for me especially in the hurdles. Last year, I asked Coach Carmen if I could try the hurdles and she told me to jump over one. When she saw that I had potential she kept sending me to the hurdles. Then my senior year she let me compete in them and I loved them. One of the best moments was at Bob Hayes after I won the 300 hurdles. I said to myself nobody was going to beat me, I was going to be the state champion, and I was."
Coach's Take: "Clemson is getting a winner. To replace a kid like Keisha is hard to do. I think she is going to be an outstanding 400 meter hurdler because she has a lot of stamina and endurance. Don't be surprised if she is one of the best in the country her freshman year."
Spence Selects Running Rebels
Miami Northwestern senior Shannon Spence has selected the Ole Miss Running Rebels. Spence, a sprinter/jumper has been an integral part in the Lady Bulls state championship run over the past four years. Her personal bests include 19-5.25 in the long jump and 38-3 in the triple jump.
Why did you choose Ole Miss? "I chose Ole Miss because I wanted to compete against some of the best athletes in the United States. However, I look forward to finishing school as well as becoming the best jumper in the world someday."
What will you remember most from high school? "My greatest moment and memories at Miami Northwestern are victories won and tears shed. It was hard, but worth it. Look at me now, I am a Running Rebel."
Coach's Take: "Shannon is a great athlete. I think she has a lot of potential and if they get her a little more developed on speed and strength she will be one of the best jumpers in the country. To get a kid like Shannon Spence is an A+ in their corner and a jewel on their team. You could always count on Shannon Spence to be dominant in her events. She was like a quiet storm."
Not Done Yet
There could be up to three more commitments on the way as well. Coach Jackson says Tatianna Clark, Shahera Palmer, and Brianna Streeter are still taking visits and will make their college choices in the coming weeks.