AHOSKIE – Sarah Hackney has played three sports during her prep career at Ridgecroft School.

While she was a standout in volleyball, basketball and softball, the school doesn’t have a cross country team. That didn’t stop the Lady Rams’ senior from securing a scholarship to attend St. Andrews Presbyterian College where she will run cross country.

“It was a great opportunity for me to further my education while pursuing my athletic endeavors,” Hackney said of her choice of the school that is located in Laurinburg.

Ridgecroft Athletic Director Doug Cobbs said Hackney was the school’s first cross country signee and said he was proud of her accomplishment.

“I think it says a lot about Sarah and the caliber of young lady she is,” Cobbs said. “She’s been a true asset to Ridgecroft athletically, academically – just in every phase of school life.”

Hackney said she had learned a lot from her career at Ridgecroft.

“Ridgecroft athletics have taught me to always play with good sportsmanship and to set goals and strive to do my best to achieve them,” she said.

Cobbs said Hackney’s desire to learn and to improve every day would be a true asset when she arrives in Laurinburg.

“She’s eager to learn and didn’t question when you asked her to play a position or told her what to do,” he said. “No matter what sport she was playing, Sarah would give it her best.”

Ridgecroft Headmaster Elton Winslow, who also coached Hackney, called her the “consummate teammate.”

Hackney said she will do her best to carry the right attitude to St. Andrews.

“I think my great asset that will help me in collegiate sports is sportsmanship,” she said. “I hope to keep a Christian attitude on and off the course.”

During her career at Ridgecroft, Hackney played volleyball, basketball and softball for four years each. She was named Honorable Mention All-Roanoke-Chowan in basketball during her senior season.

St. Andrew’s Cross Country Coach Mike Coggins said he was thrilled to have Hackney joining his program.

“We’re thrilled to add Sara to our growing women’s team,” Coggins said. “I know that she’ll be an asset in rebuilding our program here at St. Andrews and I’m thankful for her willingness to invest in making the transition to success seamless.

“Sara will fit right in with the many other freshmen next fall and I’m excited to see her develop into a competitive collegiate runner,” he added.