Brownwood High School cross country athlete Victoria Hood signed a national letter of intent with Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas on Tuesday afternoon.
Victoria stated that she considered other schools but that Harding really stood out to her.
“I visited the campus two to three times and I really loved it,” said Victoria. “It has a really strong Christian environment and that was one thing I was really looking for in a school.”
She stated that the coaching staff is really impressive and that she is looking forward to seeing how much she can improve her running. Victoria will enter Harding as an undecided major.
Having been a part of the Brownwood girls cross country team, district champions for three years and participating in the regional meet each year has been a special experience for Victoria.
“It’s been amazing, just seeing every year how everyone has improved. It’s been fun, even my dad is really excited for next year, we keep getting better and better,” she said. “It’s really been neat to have been a part of that. These girls are some of my best friends. Having my dad as my coach has been really special. I have run with some really amazing girls and I am going to miss them.”
BHS Head Coach Chuck Howard congratulated Hood and spoke of her character.
“I have a special place in my heart for seniors that finish out the spring – in track or softball whatever it may be, we have several this year,” said Howard. “Specifically, when we talk about Victoria Hood, we talk about a lot of other things. We talk about character; we talk about integrity, hard work, dedication and humility. I couldn’t be more proud of our seniors that have finished out their career in the spring, that have given their heart and soul to Brownwood, that love the Brownwood Lions and certainly that is the case with Victoria. She has given her heart and soul to Brownwood, and her teammates mean so much to her.”
Coach Howard explained that this is a special occasion for him as a coach.
“This is special for me, as a coach, because I have known at least her dad for most of my life,” said Howard. “Victoria, I am so proud of you, proud of you and grateful for you in everything you have given us, in how you have represented Brownwood. You’re class and I am proud of you to be accepting a scholarship from Harding University.”
Howard explained the difficulties of balancing being a dad as a coach and in being an athlete when your parent is a coach stating, “It is a difficult situation. It’s a hard deal.”
Victoria’s father, Coach Don Hood stated that he is really proud of his daughter, but that some of the credit needs to go to her mom.
“I can tell you honestly that the lion’s share of the credit goes to her mom because she is genetically more gifted than me. She has sacrificed a lot of miles in the car, mornings, crying on the shoulders when daddy is the bad guy,” said Hood. “She has done a great job of nurturing Victoria to this point. But the bottom line is that Victoria has worked her tail off,” said Hood. “Her consistency and her passion for success, it’s pretty fun to be around, but I think that shows who she is. It will show in what she is going to be”
Coach Hood stated that he and his wife as parents are excited in her decision to attend Harding.
“We are fired up that she is going to a Christian school, which is a good thing. There are better guys there. And Katy (Jacobs) is there. We’re excited about that. It’s a great decision for her. We are going to miss you!”
Her mother Rachel Hood, stated that she is excited for Victoria as well.
“I was always for Harding even though it’s a long way away,” explained Mrs. Hood. “She knows a few friends there, some from junior high when we were in Abilene. I’m excited she has made a decision, that she decided to run was another yippee.”
Victoria stated that running cross country in college is a dream come true and that she is excited to run again with past teammate Katy Jacobs and other friends attending Harding University.
Pictured above (left to right), standing are Julianne Hood, Coach Don Hood, Coach Chuck Howard and sitting, Rachel Hood and Victoria Hood. Below is the Hood family as Victoria signs her letter of intent.
