A group of Floridians has migrated to Tennessee and it's not just for the milder climate. These girls are going to Vanderbilt University in Nashville for its renowned academics and increasingly successful athletics.
The Commodore cross country team just won their first-ever SEC Championship last year so it's an exciting time for the Florida girls to join. Becca Chandler, who graduated from Jacksonville's Bolles High School in 2011, just started her sophomore year at Vanderbilt. After making her mark in both track and cross country in high school, she has enjoyed the challenges of being on a college team.
"I've kind of figured out how to train and when to push it and when to back off," she said. "My main goal is just to bring a positive energy to our team...I really want to keep that healthy attitude going that makes everyone happy."
When she was in high school, she debated going to Duke instead. After her first year as a Commodore, she's happy with the decision she made.
"I think my personality and style just fits a lot better with the Vanderbilt program," she said. "I really like the flexibility...Our team and the way that our running program works allows you to be so independent and it gives you a lot more room to kind of do things you want."
"I just feel like my life has other concerns besides running."
When she's not working with the team, Becca spends her time studying political science and volunteering at a preschool for kids with disabilities. This focus on being both a student and an athlete is something that Assistant Coach Rhonda Riley advocates.
"I think that the type of students that we get know that education is number one here, and as coaches we value that and we have adapted our style to make sure that they're getting everything done in the classroom first," Riley said.
When she and the head coach Steve Keith look for runners to recruit, they seek out those who want to be both part of a great program and also very involved in their education. They look for focused student-athletes with leadership skills. They found two more Florida girls -- Lily Williams and Vanessa Valentine -- who they think will fit right in.
Both girls just started their first year at Vanderbilt, and they're no strangers to hard work. Valentine, from Melbourne High School, said in a previous FLRunners article that she maintained a GPA over 4.0 throughout high school. Williams graduated from Chiles High School in Tallahassee and was a member of the 2012 FHSAA Academic All-State Team.
"As far as classes are concerned, I took a lot of AP classes and whatnot," Williams said. "I mean, I hope I'm prepared -- today's our second day and it's been pretty stressful already!"
Becca Chandler is excited to have fellow Floridians joining the team. She met Williams and Valentine a few weeks ago and has high hopes for them.
"They're so great," Chandler said. "I'm just so glad they're here. I think they're really fitting in well."
Williams said, "All the girls from Florida I knew well and generally liked. It's nice to be able to be on a team with them instead of racing against them."
Coach Riley also had good things to say about the new girls and Floridian athletes in general. She believes this recent influx from the Sunshine State is going to be great for the Commodores.
"I believe that Florida just has a lot of running talent and I think Vanderbilt attracts a kind of athlete that wants a good education," Riley said. "In running these days, everyone seems to be friends with each other, and so Becca had a large factor in helping get Lily and Vanessa."
"I think Vanessa and Lily have just a lot of talent and they're going to be able to help us right away as freshmen."
They might be great from the very start but their fellow teammate would warn them not to overdo it. Chandler loves how Vanderbilt allows its runners to excel, but she learned her first year that she has limits.
"This is so important, not only for the girls on our team, but all runners -- just realize that it's a whole new level and that you need to just take it easy and really take care of your body because it's such a long, long year," she said.
Coach Riley said that the best way for the younger girls to learn and adjust is to take the advice of their mentors, the older student-athletes. With their fellow Floridian at their side, Vanderbilt's newest recruits should have a smooth transition into the life of a collegiate runner.
More Coverage
- Lily Williams Athlete Profile
- Rebecca Chandler Athlete Profile
- Vanessa Valentine Athlete Profile
- Vanderbilt University Team Page