Day 32

We met with Coach Hogan this morning. She offered Isabelle a really generous scholarship. It’s interesting how things have worked out. It’s been an up and down journey. One that definitely has been in God’s hands. Last spring Izy had decided not to graduate early so she could compete in her senior year.  She also decided she wouldn’t run in college but apply to BYU and attend school with her siblings. That summer she ran a few workouts with a D1 all American decathlete. He was surprised she didn’t want to run in college and encouraged her to reconsider. August came and she started her junior year. Within a month she came to me and said, “I can’t stay here my senior year!”  So, the crazy began... finishing up extra classes, talking to HS counselors and principal, in addition to contacting colleges because she wasn’t ready to stop running the hurdles. She set up a few visits with MO & KS schools. UVU never returned her emails. Unfortunately, the MO & KS universities conference meet finals are on Sunday. She told a few coaches she didn’t compete on Sunday. The UCM coach was really kind but told her he really couldn’t rationalize giving a scholarship to an athlete that wouldn’t compete in their most important meet. U was really kind of jerky after offering Isabelle a full scholarship. Pitt State said it was ok, they had an athlete that didn’t compete on Sunday’s and things worked out. She gave a verbal commitment.   She waited for the official papers to come as well as info on an alluded to scholarship. She kept seeing other athletes sign with Pitt State and wondered what was up. Then Weber State contacted Isabelle’s coach. Coach Hogan called and invited her for a visit. Within a few days, Pitt State emailed Isabelle papers to sign. She responded and said another school was flying her out for a visit. She also asked about the scholarship. He responded there wasn’t a scholarship available for her. We both just looked at each other, a little dumbfounded. However, it was the best case scenario. Isabelle will be an hour and twenty minutes from Sam, Phil, and Casey if she decides to run for Weber State. She will be with girls that have her same standards and coaches that work with returning missionaries.  Interestingly enough, the decathlete Izy worked with this summer was a teammate of Coach Hogan. He couldn’t say enough good things about her!  We are flying home now. I think she’ll think it over this weekend, pray about it, then make a decision at the beginning of next week.