On March 29, senior Alexis Ray announced her commitment to East Stroudsburg University for track and field via Instagram.
“I have been running my whole life,” said Ray. “I did Flyers first through eighth grade and then joined the high school team my freshman year. And then, sophomore year, when my times started getting faster, I knew I could do it. I didn’t care which division, but I knew I could and wanted to run in college.”
One of Ray’s favorite elements of track is how the sport “builds her character” and “keeps a lot of structure” in her life. The Westfield track program introduced Ray to her best friends and created a forum for her to express herself freely with others going through a similar experience. “It was so easy to make friends because everyone was in the same boat, just running track. We all had the same schedule and learned that we needed to advocate for ourselves when we wanted to make changes or try something new,” Ray said.
East Stroudsburg University is in East Stroudsburg, PA, with an undergraduate class of 5,000 according to usanews.com. A big pulling factor to this school was the “class size” and “academic support” that the university offers. In addition, the school has fabulous programs for Ray’s intended majors of marketing and sports management. Although receiving offers from other schools, East Stroudsburg had “a nice community of people,” and Ray could simply imagine herself on the campus. “It just felt right,” she said.
Ray will join the Warriors’ Division II track and field program that competes in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, led by head coach Cortney Stafford.
The team atmosphere and “community mindset” of the team, even in such an individualized sport, persuaded Ray as well. “The coaches are really supportive and they have everything that I was looking for in a track program: nice facilities, expert trainers and supportive teammates,” said Ray.
In conjunction with East Stroudsburg’s complementary program, Ray’s competitive nature will shine at this level. “I am most excited about competing against collegiate athletes. I feel like it’s going to be scary and fun because I want to experience the thrill of that level of competition,” said Ray.
Teammate and close friend Lilly Petrie has been running with Ray since freshman year and now captains the spring track team alongside her. “Alexis is going to do so well in a college environment. With more focused coaching, more intense workouts and more time dedicated to workouts, she will thrive. She has already shown what a great athlete she is and I think she has the potential for so much more and I’m so excited to follow her college career,” said Petrie.
As this spring season is Ray’s last time running as a Blue Devil, she will continue to work hard and lead the team to success. “She is always ensuring everyone is comfortable and involved and having a good time. Her receiving the title of captain was very fitting and well-deserved,” said Petrie.
