Harker Heights High School saw another one of its own add her name to the growing list of athletes to make their way into the world of collegiate sports.

Last Thursday, Monique McMichael signed a national letter of intent to run track at Sam Houston State University, a Division One program. 

“Monique has been very special over these last four years,” said Michelle Womack, who heads up the Lady Knight track and cross country programs. “She’s nice and sweet and a good student, but is also one of the fiercest competitor I’ve ever seen when she steps out on the track.”

“I’m just so happy that all of my hard work has paid off,” said McMichael. “I really appreciate the offer and I’m looking forward to working hard next year.”

McMichael was a four-year varsity athlete in cross country, where she advanced to regionals the last three years in a row. In 2006 she ran a personal best of 12:01 on a two-mile course at the Cedar Park Invitational, where she placed ninth overall. That year, she won the team’s Sportsmanship Award.

Last year, McMichael was a member of the 3,200-meter relay team that set the school record of 9:31.56. She also teamed with Aliese Hyde, Latifah Richard and Jasmine Smalls to win the 1,600-meter relay in 3:56.34.

The Lady Knights entered the event trailing A&M Consolidated by a point and that victory catapulted them to Heights’ first district title since the school went 5A, breaking the Lady Tigers seven-year stranglehold in district track titles.

For the first time this year, McMichael qualified as an individual in the 800-meter run by finishing third at district with a personal best time of 2:18.70.

She showed her versatility as an athlete by joining the Lady Knights wrestling team this year. Despite it being her first year to ever compete in the sport, McMichael qualified for regionals by finishing second at district in the 119-pound class.

More than just an outstanding athlete, McMichael is also an active member of the Harker Heights and Killeen communities. Last summer with the help of about 10 friends, she raised enough money to purchase school supplies and 40 backpacks for Harker Heights Elementary School and Fowler Elementary School students.

After the successful project, McMichael launched an organization called Young People Making a Difference to come up with ideas to raise money for worthy causes.

“I’m so proud of Monique,” said her mother, Patricia McMichael. “She’s a Christian who is very involved in volunteering for the community. She’s just an outstanding daughter and I love her very much.”

While McMichael’s athletic exploits are impressive, almost equally as wonderful are her achievements in the classroom. She is a member of her school’s AVID program, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It’s a structured non-traditional college preparatory elective that directly supports students in rigorous curriculum.

When McMichael hits the SHSU campus later this year, she will already have 30 college credits because of the dual-credit courses she has taken. She plans to major in criminal justice and hopes to become a district attorney one day.

“I just want to thank my mom and Coach Womack for all of their wisdom and advice over the past four years,” she said. “It’s because of them and my summer coaches that I’ve been able to get to where I am.”