Deerfield-Windsor’s Virginia Moore signs with Georgia

ALBANY — Virginia Moore wasn’t always set on running in college, but when she decided she wanted to, it wasn’t hard for her to figure out where she wanted to go.

While wearing a red Georgia shirt, the Deerfield-Windsor track & field standout signed a letter-of-intent with the Bulldogs on Thursday afternoon in front her family and friends inside the Deerfield-Windsor library.

“This is surreal,” Moore said. “Four years ago, I never would have imagined I would be signing with a D-1 school. I’m just really excited and I can’t wait to work hard and contribute to the team.”

Moore grew up a Georgia fan and was happy to put pen to paper.

“It helped that I grew up a Georgia fan,” she said. “I looked at other schools, but Georgia really just felt like home.”

The senior has been one of the best middle to long distance runners in Southwest Georgia since her track and cross country career started.

Moore’s skills were on display Wednesday afternoon during the Georgia Independent Schools Association Region 3-AAA track & field meet at Hugh Mills Stadium.

She placed first in both the 3200 and 1600 meter runs. Moore also came in second in the 800 meters and was part of Deerfield’s 4×400-meter relay team that took first.

“She can run long distances and I really admire that in anybody,” Deerfield girls track & field coach Allen Lowe said. “Virginia just has a great demeanor about her. She has a great heart, but she also has great talent. I just think she has the overall character that will put her in the forefront when it is time to shine.”

In addition to Georgia, Moore took an official visit to Alabama and spoke with Clemson.

Moore said the process of deciding which school to go to started in the fall and a January visit to Georgia sealed the deal.

“I definitely connected with the team and the coach,” she said. “I spent the night with the team and the program is really strong.”

The Georgia outdoor track & field team is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation.