ERICA ALEXANDER So, where is Alexander attending school fall 2008 — and why? Is there more gold in her future? Read on to find the answers.
Jump Texas: Thank you for granting JTX Online Magazine Blog an exclusive opportunity to break the news of your verbal commitment to a major D-I school.
Erica: Thank you. I am really excited about my college choice.
Jump Texas: You recently made a decision to continue your track and field career on the collegiate level. How exhausting of a process was it for you to narrow a field of multiple top-rated collegiate athletics programs down to one?
Erica: It was very exhausting, because I knew that once my last visit was over, I was going to have to start making some major decisions. Each and every school that I visited had something special to offer, both academically and athletically, and before I knew it, it felt as though everything became cloudy. I also thought that I would disappoint the coaches (who really were nice people) if I didn't choose their school, and that's when my mom and dad had to remind me that the coaches go through this process all the time and that they would understand. It also didn't help that we had scheduled all of my visits (both official and unofficial) in eight weeks, only to find out during a recruiting visit that the signing date had been moved back almost three months. I was exhausted both physically and mentally.
Jump Texas: To what extent did academics and your intended major play a role in the selection of this particular institution?
Erica: Academics and the area that I plan to major in played a huge role in my final decision, and this university is so well-known for its research. First, my parents and I did plenty of research on our own to see which schools had the best program for my major and post-graduation. Based on that, we then chose the universities to visit. Don't get me wrong, though. I still wanted to attend a school that has a history of developing its athletes into becoming some of the best in the country and world, and hopefully I will be able to run professionally, but that will only take me so far.
Jump Texas: What advice would the Alexander family like to offer American youth athletes preparing to run at the post-secondary level?
Erica/Mr. Alexander/Mrs. Alexander: We all agree that "high standards" in the classroom is so important because it affords you so many more choices and opportunities when selecting a university. Secondly, have some idea of the type of school that you would like to attend and make sure you do your own research. Finally, you should follow your heart and be sure to ask any and all questions that make sense to you (even if you think it may sound senseless to someone else) during the recruiting process. At the end of the day, it's the athlete that has to live with the choice and commitment for the next 4-5 years.
Jump Texas: Most online readers have scrolled this far in the Q-&-A, attentively reading line after line to answer one question, 'Where is Erica attending school next fall?' So, how about providing a clue, a small clue --- a super small, minuscule clue, like the name of the school has a 'U' in it, as in UT, UCLA, UL Lafayette, USC (East), UNM, USC (West), U of H, USL --- 'U' know?
The first clue ....
Erica: Most definitely a "U" ....
Jump Texas: Second clue ....
Erica: Warm and sunny climate (minus the humidity) ....
Jump Texas: Third, and final, clue ....
Erica: A hollow wooden horse ....
Jump Texas: Troy? Troy?!? You going to school in Troy, Texas, off Interstate 35? I'm just kidding. Of course you are referring to none other than the Trojans. Sounds like you struck gold out of state. Your clues definitely point in the direction of coaches Ron Allice and Tina Fernandes, meaning the University of Southern California --- right?
Erica: That's it.
Jump Texas: What proved to be the deciding factor?
Erica: There were really three deciding factors that lead me to feel that USC was the best choice in providing me with the opportunities to become a well-rounded student-athlete.
1) The private and smaller school setting was a definite plus for me.
2) The academic and social environment at USC was a perfect fit! The school is one of the top-rated research universities in the world and I like the diversity of the student population.
3) I felt very comfortable when I was around the coaching staff and the other athletes. It was one of those feelings that you don't get often but when you do, you know it's right. I also believe that the coaching philosophy that's in place will allow me to have a successful season, year after year.
Jump Texas: Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, your daughter, Erica, has been a major presence on the national youth track and field scene for a good number of years, and this past summer her blazing 400-meter anchor leg on the World Youth Girls' Medley Relay showcased her talents abroad, in the Czech Republic. Europe was distant --- overseas --- a continent away. Yet, as parents, how far does a 20-something hours carpool or three-hour plane ride seem to you, now that Erica has verbally committed to attend school in California, which is home to a sizable youth, masters collegiate, professional and ex-pro track community?
Mr. Alexander/Mrs. Alexander: Wow! Twenty hours is a lot of time, and that is why it is our intent to never make the drive! But we felt that as long as we could travel back and forth non-stop, then we all could deal with the 3+ hours of flight time. It was and is very important that we support major decisions made by our children.
Jump Texas: Before calling this Q-&-A session a wrap, Jump Texas would like for you to offer a few words of positivity and encouragement to athletes across the state and nation --- and around world.
Erica: Be humble and never let your ego take over. Don't get discouraged because in track and field you can be on top one race and down on the next. Regardless of your talent level, stay committed to your training and don't forget to challenge yourself. It will only make you stronger both on and off the track.
Jump Texas: Well said and, on behalf of Jump Texas readers, 'Thank you Alexander family.'
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