Parker Valby of East Lake, the Florida state record holder in the 3,200 meters with her time of 10:10.45, chose the University of Florida over finalists North Carolina and Oregon.

Although the process was stressful, Valby said, she enjoyed getting to know the different schools and coaches.

“In the end, what sold me on Florida were the coaches and the team,” Valby said. “They were all amazing and all of them have really high goals, which match my goals for the future. Also, it is an amazing school academically, which is very important to me.”

East Lake coach Britt Taylor had nothing but praise for the Gators’ coaching staff and believes Valby will be an excellent fit in blue and orange.

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“They did an incredible job recruiting her,” he said. "First class. They made her feel like a priority. Both Coach (Chris) Solinsky and Coach (Mike) Holloway were impressive throughout the process. I think Parker will do excellent at Florida.”

With her college decision behind her, Valby can now focus on the 2019 cross country season, which is just starting for her. The senior was sidelined for the first two months due to a hip injury and is finally hitting her stride. Last week, at a small local meet she ran 18:20 for her first win of the season. It is a ways off her personal best of 17:39.86 at the regional meet last year, but according to Taylor she is finally healthy.

"It’s great to have her healthy,” he said. “Now, we have to get her back into shape with the pressures of the state series lurking. She is such a fierce competitor and she is up for the challenge.”

Valby finished third at the 2018 state finals in 18:00.07 and went onto finish 17th at the Foot Locker South Regional in 17:51.6. The duo knows the season doesn’t have to end the first week of November.

“The state series is important to us, but we also know we have over a month until Foot Locker and or Nike. She has big goals for her senior year.”