Brownwood High School cross country and track runner Julianne Hood signed a letter of intent with Harding University of Searcy, Arkansas on Tuesday afternoon.

Hood is undecided on an area of study but is considering psychology, education or missions while at Harding University.  She stated that she is looking forward to running with Harding and her sister Victoria, who signed with Harding last year.  “I’m looking forward to running with my sister, being on the same team and having that motivation and accountability.”

In looking back at her high school career as a runner, she stated there have been lots of setbacks with injuries and sickness. “My team always helped me get past it,” said Hood of the close relationships she formed with team mates.

Coach Don Hood stated that as a father and her coach he has gotten to see her develop her talent and fight past struggles.

“Julianne is a great story and I am really anxious to see how her story turns out.  Coming out of junior high, into high school, as a freshman she ran the second fastest time ever in the mile at Brownwood High School.  She missed breaking our record by three tenths of a second,” said Coach Hood.  “The next year she got mono and a concussion and had a tough two years, but she is back on track.  She is back where she wants to be and it’s really fun to see her fight through the struggles she has had.”

Coach Hood stated that although she has faced trials, Julianne has proved that she is a fighter and a fierce competitor.

“I have always said nobody ever achieves anything without a struggle, there is always going to be something that tries to knock you off of your horse.  She has been knocked off a couple of times, but she gets back on and fights and it is wonderful that she is going to have this opportunity to run collegiately,” said Hood proudly.  “That says a lot about her desire, her work ethic and a lot about her talent.  She is about the fiercest competitor as I have ever been around.  This girl hates to lose at anything and it is fun to watch her.”

Pictured above is Victoria Hood with her family, parents (Coach) Don and Rachel Hood, and sister Annabeth.