ROME, GA -- Head coach Luke Syverson and Paul Deaton announced the 2021-22 newcomers for the women's track and field and cross country teams today. 

"We are excited to welcome these 12 Women to our program and family", shares Syverson. "While we return all but three women from this past season's team, this group of 12 really gives us some much needed depth in our Women's XC/Distance group. This class also gives us more scoring opportunities in the throws, jumps, and sprints. These women bring the great leadership, academic, and community involvement experiences to our team and campus that we specifically look for in our recruiting as well. We can't wait to get them on campus in August!"

A brief bio of each athlete can be found below. 

Addie Blake (Rome, GA., Coosa High School, Pole Vault)

Addie is the daughter of Shane and Ashley Blake, and was coached by Bill Daughtry and Jessica Wingo at Coosa High School. Addie, who just started vaulting in 2020, earned 2nd place at the GHSA 7AA Region Championship, 3rd at the Sectional Championship, and 5th at the GHSA 2A State Championships. During her time at Coosa, Addie earned the Floyd Positive Athlete Award, the John Pinson Jr. Student Athlete Award, and graduated as the school record holder in the pole vault. She was also involved in FCA leadership, Beta club, the Noon Optimist Club, and was a full-time dual enrollment student. She plans to major in nursing.

Sinclaire Denney (Carrollton, GA., Central High School, XC/Distance)

Sinclaire Denney is the daughter of John and Tammy Denney and was coached by Jonathan Horsley while competing for Central HS. During her career, she helped her team to a 1st place team finish at the GHSA Region 5-4A Championships, and 4th place finish at the 4A State Cross Country Championships. She served as team captain and was a Coach's Award recipient. During her free time, Sinclaire also served as president of Interact club and Best Buddies, and was a member of National Honor Society and Beta Club. She was also an honor roll student all 4 years. Sinclaire plans to major in animal science (pre-vet).

Madi Duke (Senoia, GA., East Coweta High School, High Jump)

Madi is the daughter of James and Sandy Duke, and was coached by Chase Smith while competing for East Coweta HS. She leaves East Coweta as a decorated jumper and leader, earning 1st in County (2019), 2nd in County (2021), 3rd in Regions (2019), and also earning the Elite Feet Award. Madi served as track team captain, was a member of Beta Club and National Honors Society, and graduated with Honors as a Scholar Athlete and Gifted Graduate. Her jump of 5'2" is 2nd in School History at East Coweta. Madi plans to major in nursing.

Lula Hailey (Watkinsville, GA., Oconee County High School, Shot Put and Discus)

Lula is the daughter of Frank and Jamie Hailey, and was coached by Reese Hoffa, Renata Hoffa, Josh Mize, and Matt Cates during her high school career. She graduated as a GHSA Region 8-4A Discus Champion and 3x GHSA 4A/3A State Qualifier (2018, 2019, 2021), taking 8th in 4A Shot Put in 2019, 4th in 3A Shot Put in 2021, and 5th in 3A Discus in 2021. Lula was also involved with marching band (2 year section leader), and Foreign Language, Art, Creative Writing, and Ocean Bowl clubs. She graduated with Honors and as the Gene Higginbotham Memorial Scholarship recipient. Lula plans to major in environmental or animal science with a minor in German.

Grace Harmon (Bonaire, GA., Veterans High School, XC/Distance)

Coached by Mitch Horton and David Shepherd during her career at Veterans HS, Grace is the daughter of Joy and Craig Harmon. A team captain and MVP for Veterans, Grace joins the Vikings as a 2020 GHSA 5A Cross Country State Qualifier, 2021 County Champion in the 4x800m, and 2021 2nd place finisher in 4x800m at the Region 1-5A Championships. She earned recognition for her academic efforts and character, being accepted into the Governor's Honors Program, National English Honors Society, and earning the Warhawk Award and Road Scholar award (highest GPA of the team). During her free time she served on the Youth United Leadership Board and was a member of Warhawk Workshop. Grace plans to major in biochemistry (pre-med).

Madeline Hubbert (Birmingham, AL., Oak Mountain High School, Pole Vault/Long Jump/Triple Jump)

Madeline joins the Viking family from Oak Mountain HS, coached by James Moore, Betsy Rogers, and Kasey Hollington. She is the daughter of Carl and Andrea Hubbert. During her career as an Eagle, Madeline qualified for the AHSAA 7A XC State Championships, AHSAA 7A Indoor Championships in the Triple Jump (2020), and AHSAA 7A Outdoor State Championships in the Pole Vault, Triple Jump, and Long Jump (2021). She was a team captain for cross county, school record holder in the triple jump (2021), and co-founder and president of the Action for Earth Club. She was also a member of the National Honors Society, National English Honors Society, National Science Honors Society, Rho Kappa, National Spanish Honors Society, Relay for Life Club, SOZO Club and Spanish Club.

Courtney Jones (Ringgold, GA., Northwest Whitfield County High School, Long Jump/Triple Jump and Sprints)

Courtney is the daughter of Ryan and Heather Jones and was coached by Rodney Shields while at Northwest Whitfield County HS. Team captain during her senior season, Courtney was also a Whitfield & Georgia Scholar, accepted into the Governor's Honors Program, and winner of the Heart of a Lady Bruin, Scholar-Athlete, and STAR Student awards. In her free time, Courtney was an FCA leader, FFA President, and a member of Beta, National Honors Society, Diversity Council, and Math Team. Courtney plans on majoring in either nursing or exercise science.

Emily Jo Lester (Mitchell, GA., John Hancock Academy, XC/Distance)

Emily Jo joins the Viking family from John Hancock Academy, coached by Elizabeth Martin and Bob Peck. She is the daughter of Vic and Lisa Lester. During her career as a Rebel, Emily Jo was the GAPPS D1 Cross Country Region Champion (2019), earning GAPPS D1 Cross Country All-State honors in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She was part of two GAPPS D1 Track State Championship 4x400m Relay teams (2017, 2019), also taking 2nd place in the 1600m and 3200m in 2019. Her performances helped lead her team to 3 State titles (2017, 2018, 2019). She earned the John Hancock Academy Best Female Runner award in 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as the 2021 Female Athlete of the Year, Female Academic Athlete of the Year, and Miss John Hancock Academy (Senior representative). Emily Jo graduated as Valedictorian, Student Class Vice President, and was also an active member in Beta Club, Yearbook Staff, and One Act Play. She plans on majoring in animal science.

Marianna Moell (Centerville, OH., Centerville High School, Sprints)

Marianna is the daughter of Michael and Ann Moell and was coached by Matt Somerlot and Trey Coleman while competing for the Elks. Serving as a team captain, Marianna earned top three OHSAA D1 finishes in the 4x100m Relay, and is a 2021 Region qualifier in the 4x400m Relay. Marianna graduates as a Scholar-Athlete, and winner of the President's Award for Educational Excellence and Centerville Scholarship. She plans on majoring in animal science.

Anna Rose (Jackson, CA., Argonaut High School, XC/Distance)

Anna is the daughter of John and Lisa Rose and was coached by Cameron Duggan and Jennifer Putnam while competing for Argonaut HS. She joins the Vikings as the school record holder in the 400m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m and XC 5000m. She earned 1st Place at Cross Country Subsections, 3rd place at Cross Country League Finals twice, and was an individual State qualifier (2018 and 2019). She served as a team captain, 2x MVP, 4x Athlete of the Week, 5x Runner of the Week, winner of the A. Dale Lacky Award, and was the school's first female All-League member for Motherlode League. She also served as 1st chair in Honor Band (flute), was selected for California Girls State in 2020, and graduated Top-10 in her class. Anna plans to major in biology with an emphasis in wildlife, ecology, and conservation.

Erin Schmidt (Fayetteville, GA., Starr's Mill High School, XC/Distance)

Erin is the daughter of John and Diana Schmidt and was coached by Chad Walker, Kelly Rock, Anne Chrzanowski, and Don Livingston during her HS career. She was a 3x GHSA Cross Country State Championships qualifier, helping her team to a 3rd place finish in 2018 and 4th place finish in 2019. She also was part of a 2018 Region Championship team, and track and field state qualifier in the 4x800m relay (2021). She served as cross country team captain in 2020 and earned Most Improved in 2018. During her free time, she served as editor of The Pride yearbook staff, and was also a member of Beta Club and CFA Leader Academy. She graduated on the Principal's Recognition List and as an Honor Graduate. She plans to pursue a degree in communication.

Brianna Waddell (Kennesaw, GA., Carlton J. Kell High School, Sprints/Mid-Distance)

Brianna is the daughter of Amy Phanmixay and Mike Waddell, and was coached by Andrea Jenkins, David Poteet, Margaret Griffin, and David Hunnicutt during her HS career. She finished 2nd in both the 400m and 4x800m at the GHSA Region 7-5A Championships, and was a 5A State Championships qualifier in the 4x800m relay in 2021. She served as team captain, and earned Most Valuable Runner, Coaches Award and Rookie Award during her athletic career. Academically, she was a Scholar-Athlete, AP Scholar, AP Capstone recipient and was a member of DECA Club. Brianna plans to major in biochemistry.