Somerset's Coyle inks national letter of intent

Somerset Area High School track and field standout Jayna Coyle has accepted an NCAA Division I scholarship offer from Elon University in North Carolina.

 

Coyle made it official by signing her national letter of intent on Tuesday.

 

"I've always wanted to be a Division I athlete ever since I was little," said Coyle. "It was a really big goal of mine.

 

"I really liked (Elon University). It's in North Carolina. It's warm down there pretty much all year. All the girls on the team were really nice along with the coaches. I'm looking forward to it."

 

Coyle, who had drawn interest from a number of big-time schools, including LSU and Syracuse, said she was "relieved" to have the recruiting process behind her prior to the start of her senior track and field season.

 

"Now I can go out and just try to have the best season I can," she said.

 

Coyle has already had tremendous success in the sport, proving to be an exceptional jumper. Last year as a junior, she captured District 6 Class AAA titles in both the long jump and triple jump. She went on to place sixth in the state in the long jump.

 

"From the time she's stepped onto the track as a freshman, we knew she had the potential to be very successful," Somerset head track and field coach Bill Stuart said. "She's qualified for the state meet every year, which is pretty significant considering Pennsylvania is in the top five in the country for track and field athletes."

 

Stuart said Coyle's success has been earned with a strong work ethic.

 

"She's constantly working out with Wally Miller, our jumping coach, to succeed and get better. He's really prepared her well," Stuart said. "Dave Polcha, our trainer, has her in the weight room, getting her stronger. She's dedicated herself to succeed in track and field and now we're seeing the benefits of her hard work.