Niceville High School graduate Abbie Harrelson is our 2020 Collegiate Award winner. Harrelson, a junior at the University of Florida, is a track athlete — a key member of Florida’s distance medley relay team.

Harrelson competed only one year at Niceville, but she accomplished so much. She ran the leadoff leg as she and teammates Sherwin, Eubanks and Schneidewind won the state championship in the 4×800 relay. The foursome’s time of 9:20.97 set a school record. Abbie says of that state championship race, “It was amazing to share that feeling with three of my teammates.”

Abbie is thriving at the University of Florida. She won a silver medal at the 2019 SEC Indoor Championships held at the University of Arkansas. Abbie is also an excellent student, twice selected for the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Abbie is an “EduGator,” or Elementary Education Major. Abbie says, “I have found that I am passionate about teaching. I love the relationships I build with the students. I want to use my career to share knowledge and compassion with all of my students, so that they believe in their ability to learn and know that someone loves them.”

Abbie appreciates this award because she is excited about the mission of the All Sports Association. “I had no idea I was in the running for it and I was so surprised that someone is still following my running career. It made me proud to know I am still representing Niceville,” she said. “Niceville gave me one of the strongest support teams in my life and I can’t thank them enough.”

Congratulations Abbie — Go Eagles and Go Gators!

By D. Jeffcoat. Sources: FloridaGators.com, Northwest Florida Daily News, and personal interview