Emily Godwin Signs With the University of North Carolina

Photo by Andrew Ferguson

On Tuesday, wearing a light blue long-sleeve shirt with the letters “NC” on the front, Emily Godwin announced she will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall. She signed her Letter of Intent in front of family, friends, and coaches.

Over this past summer, Godwin had started the college process by getting some letters in from some colleges. She sent back her resume to a lot of the schools. North Carolina had got a new coaching staff, so it wasn't until later in the process that she had got a call from them.

M: Why did you choose to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next fall?

Godwin: I chose to attend UNC in the fall because it has everything I wanted in a school. I was looking for a strong academic and athletic Division 1 college that would help me continue to develop as a student athlete. I went for an official visit and met all the coaches and the team and knew that's where I was supposed to go.

M: Did anyone influence you in your decision to attend UNC?

Godwin: My parents let the decision be entirely mine but they helped and supported me along the way.

M: Can you tell me what you liked about the coaching staff and the facilities?

Godwin: I liked how well rounded the coaching staff is. They have every position filled with knowledgeable coaches that not only care about improvements athletically, but also desire athletes to grow as a person. The team is like a family. The outdoor and indoor facilities are very nice in Chapel Hill. The outdoor track is being resurfaced this winter, so it will be brand new by the time I get down there.

M: What event or events will you be focusing on?

Godwin: I will be focusing on the heptathlon and specializing in high jump.

M: If you could give the younger generation any advice, what would it be?

Godwin: My advice to the younger generation is to never give up. If you have a dream or a goal, never stop working hard in the classroom and on the athletic field because in the end it will all be worth it. My favorite bible verse and one that I try to live by every day is Proverbs 3:5-6 which states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make your path straight.”

M: Finally, what is your GPA?

Godwin: My GPA is a 4.14

Godwin had considered West Virginia University, Penn State University and the University of Virginia, but in the end she felt UNC was the best place for her.

The list of accomplishments for the Buckhannon-Upshur senior is not short. In fact, in the last three years she has helped lead the Lady Bucs to two West Virginian High School Class AAA Girls State Track & Field Championships and one State Runner-Up. Godwin earned the Gatorade West Virginia Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 2012.

This past summer, Emily was ranked the US#6 high jumper going into the 2012 USATF National Junior Olympic Championships at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She won gold in the high jump with a clearing height of 5 feet 8.75 inches. Her impressive resume now has the title of National Champion.

High School Achievements:

Freshman:

Emily ran 45.43 in the 300H at West Virginia State Championships, placing second.

Emily ran on the Shuttle Hurdle Relay at the West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily ran on the 4 x 400 Meter Relay at the West Virginia State Championships, placing second.

Emily went 5-4 in the High Jump at West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily was fourth in high point honors with 22.50 points.

Sophomore:

Emily ran a 14.77 in the 100H at West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily ran 44.23 (State Meet Record) in the 300H at West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily went 5-8 in the High Jump at West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily went 16-10 in the Long Jump at West Virginia State Championships, placing third.

Emily tied for first in high point honors with 36 points.

Junior:

Emily ran a 14.67 in the 100H at West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily went 5-8 in the High Jump at West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily went 17-10.5 in the Long Jump at West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily ran a PR of 14.60 (State Meet Record) in the 100H at West Virginia State Championships, placing first in the prelims.

Emily ran 43.96 (State Meet Record) in the 300H at West Virginia State Championships, placing first.

Emily was first in high point honors with a perfect score of 40 points.

State Meet Record Holder:

2012 - 100 Meter Hurdles - 14.60 – Laidley Field / State Meet

2012 - 300 Meter Hurdles - 43.96 – Laidley Field / State Meet

2010 - Shuttle Hurdle Relay – 1:04.13 – Laidley Field / State Meet

State Record Holder:

2012 - 100 Meter Hurdles - 14.60 – Laidley Field / State Meet

2012 - 300 Meter Hurdles - 43.96 – Laidley Field / State Meet

2012 – Shuttle Hurdle Relay – 1:04.07 – Weston, WV

2012 – High Jump – 5’10” – Lewis County, WV

Personal Bests:

100 Meter Dash - 12.30

200 Meter Dash - 26.18

400 Meter Dash - 58.63

55 Meter Hurdles - 9.11

60 Meter Hurdles - 9.66

100 Meter Hurdles - 14.60

300 Meter Hurdles - 43.96

800 Meter Run 2:20.89

Discus – 95’ 06”

High Jump – 5’ 10”

Javelin - 87’ 09.5”

Long Jump – 18’ 04”

Shot Put – 33’ 02.75”

Heptathlon – 4716 Points

Emily Godwin is a true role model for generations to come. Sure she is considered to be West Virginia High School’s best all-around female track & field athlete, but I commend her on commitment to academic achievement. I believe that the role of athletics is to help our student athletes be better humans. In the end, that’s what really matters!

 

WVRunners would like to wish Emily Godwin the best of luck at the next level while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill!