By Jeff Odom
Surrounded by family and friends at her home, recent Wiregrass Ranch High graduate Patricia Magwood signed with Barton College in North Carolina June 30, where she will continue competing in track and field.
Magwood, a two sport athlete, returned to the track scene after missing the entire 2011 season with a torn ACL suffered during a Thanksgiving break basketball tournament her junior year. She shook off the injury and finished first in the shot put and second at discus during the Bulls’ run to their fourth straight district championship as a senior.
Magwood said she’s excited to continue at the college, but has some butterflies because of the distance between her family.
“I was really excited and nervous because I’m leaving home,” Magwood said. “I’ve never been so far from home, and I have a twin brother and it’s the first time we’re going to be apart for school. I can’t believe I’m signing. I’m just really excited.”
She also had an offer from Michigan State University, but turned it down because Barton, a Division II program, felt like the perfect choice. Magwood said the small class sizes will give her an opportunity for added individual attention with instructors.
“I like the college itself because it’s small, and you can have direct contact with your college professors, and also the coach; her resume really stood out to me,” Magwood said.
Wiregrass Ranch girls track coach Don Howard added, “Patricia has worked really hard to get where she is and get her education paid for. I’m sure she will do everything to make the most of this opportunity.”
Magwood’s work as a forward also helped the Wiregrass Ranch girls basketball team go 20-8 last season while averaging 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 points.
As for her future, Magwood plans to major in political science and prelaw to become a prosecutor. She would like to become judge advocate general (JAG) lawyer in the Army, then a U.S. ambassador.
Magwood said the drive she has to compete in the classroom and on the field should be credited to her parents, whom she is very grateful for.
“I’m very thankful for my parents,” Magwood said. “Some parents won’t do as much for their kids, but my parents do take a lot of time and they’ve sacrificed a lot for me, and I’m very thankful.”
–Sports Editor Kyle LoJacono contributed to this report.
