PREP TRACK AND FIELD: Addison’s Baldwin signs with UAH

Published 7:02 pm Tuesday, May 8, 2018

When Emee Baldwin signed with UAH back in April, her high school résumé wasn’t quite yet complete.

Until now.

The Addison senior capped off her incredible prep career at last week’s Class 1A-3A state track and field meet in Cullman by putting together a gold-medal performance in the 1A pole vault with a state record-breaking leap of 10-08. It was the fourth gold medal for Baldwin, who also owns the 2A state pole vault record (09-06), in her strongest event — one she began competing in as an eighth-grader.

Now, she’s officially a collegiate track and field athlete.

“It’s super exciting,” Baldwin said. “I’m super blessed to be able to get to the next level and thankful that God’s allowed me to do it. I’m looking forward to getting down there.”

Baldwin’s decision to choose the Division II Chargers over other programs couldn’t have been easier, either.

For a number of reasons.

“I love their track and field coach,” she said. “And I love Huntsville. I had interest from other schools, but I was already set on UAH even before they offered me a scholarship. They have such a great nursing program, and 

that’s really what sold me on them. I’m definitely excited.”

Although Addison track and field coach Woody Smothers is no doubt sad to see Baldwin go, he can’t help but be happy about her earning an opportunity that’s been a long time coming.

“She’s special, there’s no doubt,” he said. “Emee works hard. When she sets her mind to it, she sits down and figures out how to do it. It’s not just work. It’s how hard to work and what to work on. She always has an idea of what she wants to do at every meet. She comes from a good family. Her dad played ball with me, and he was a great athlete. He’s been with her every step of the way, and I think it’s special for them as a family.”