Nation Ford senior runner Mia Royall is running off to join the Army.
Royall, 17, signed on National Signing Day Wednesday, Feb. 7 to go to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.
Royall said she wanted to be more than just a student-athlete and has family members that have also went to West Point and served in the military.
“A lot of other schools I toured seemed the same to me and I was looking for more fulfillment with my college years,” she said. “I wanted to be more than a student, more than athlete. I wanted to do something for other people, while still going to a prestigious college. Also, it is D1 and I wanted to continue my athletic career as well.”
Royall visited Dartmouth, New Hampshire, and Boston University. She also talked to other schools like Brown and Cornell University.
Royall’s father went to West Point and her family has a history of military service. She said she is looking forward to the experience.
“It is a really diverse school,” she said. “There is a lot of interesting and smart people there. Just really, great people.”
She will be running track and plans on running cross country as well. She is planning on running mid-distance at track.
Royall plans on majoring in chemistry or chemical engineering. She is also planning on going to graduate school as well. As part of her time at West Point, she will have to serve five years on active duty and three years in the reserves.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
