Greenwood's Anna Stoddard talks about signing with the University of South Carolina and athletic and academic goals.
What made you decide to commit to University of South Carolina?
When I toured the school, I just felt like I belonged. The athletic programs and academic programs seemed to be making a lot of recent progress, and I wanted to be a part of that.
What were your other top choices?
I was also considering Coastal Carolina University and Lenoir-Rhyne University.
What do you hope to achieve in academics and athletics?
I hope to stick with my journalism major and be able to discover my future career path. In athletics, I hope to go under five minutes in the mile and help my team at the SEC Conference Championships.
What did you experience during each visit?
Everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming. I toured the schools, met the team, spent some time with the coaches, talked to admissions counselors, and spent the night in a dorm room.
What would you recommend to others when choosing a college?
Definitely take an official visit if possible. Official visits give you a better sense of whether or not you could attend a particular school.
What does it feel like to have the decision made?
I am so relieved. I spent a long time not really knowing what I wanted in a school. So, it feels like a weight off my shoulders.
What do you hope to achieve the rest of this spring?
I hope to set personal records in the 1600 and 3200 at the state meet and hopefully win my first state title.
How have you been training for the upcoming track season?
I have put in more mileage this season than ever, and I feel stronger as a result of it. But I have also worked on tapering at the end of the season to ensure that I don't burn out.
Looking at your career at Greenwood, what will you remember the most?
I will remember the sense of belonging I felt on my team, and also overcoming injuries that occurred at key points in various cross country seasons.
What individuals in your life were involved in helping you make the decision?
My family encouraged me to pick the school that I felt was right for me on an athletic as well as academic level.
