Grace Adams has been a corner stone for West Liberty-Salem’s girls cross country team and track and field teams over the course of her career. It was only a matter of time before she made a decision on running at the next level.
The standout senior recently announced she is continuing her athletic career at Lee University, an NCAA Division II program located in Cleveland, Tenn. Adams will run both cross country and track and field for the Flames.
“I chose Lee University because it is the best fit for me,” said Adams. “I’ve always wanted to live in the south, and I like that it is a middle-sized school with Christian roots and values. The nursing program and the track and field and cross country programs are great.”
Adams has delivered big results during her time running for WL-Salem. Most notably, she helped the girls track and field team win a Division III state championship, while also earning a state title with the 3,200 relay last spring. Adams was also a top runner for the Big Orange team that took state runner-up last fall.
“Grace has definitely left her mark on our cross country and track and field programs,” said WL-Salem girls head cross country and track and field coach Ann Vogel. “Her commitment to her teammates, her work ethic, and enthusiasm will be hard to replace, but the examples she has set will influence our teams for years to come. It’s so hard to see Grace go, but I’m excited to see what the future holds for her.”
Adams has garnered numerous accolades during her time with the Tigers. In cross country, she earned first-team all-Ohio Heritage Conference honors all four years and was the OHC most valuable runner in 2016. Adams received first-team all-Southwest District and regional honors four times. A four-time state qualifier, Adams topped her cross country career by earning all-Ohio honors and helping her team to a Division III state runner-up finish.
In track and field, Adams was first-team OHC honors from 2017-2019 and has led her team to three consecutive OHC titles. She is a three-time state qualifier, most recently qualifying for the 3,200 and 3,200 relay. Adams has also received academic all-Ohio honors in both cross country and track and field.
“I’ll definitely miss my teammates, but I’m thankful for lifelong friendships and memories I’ve made at West Liberty-Salem,” said Adams. Adams also considered Malone University and the University of Akron.