Liberty High School graduate, Casey Harewood, will continue her track and field career in the high jump at Monmouth University this fall.

"Originally, I was very open-minded with schools and took a lot of official visits. The coaches [at Monmouth] were friendly and inviting, I hung out with the team, and everything clicked," Harewood said.

Monmouth's head coach is Joe Compagni. Devon Barry coaches the jumpers.

"I saw the jumps coach right when I got there. He wanted me to experience everything for myself," said Harewood.

With the guidance of a freshman track and field athlete, Harewood got an all-around feel for the Monmouth campus and campus life.

"I went to an English class, I hung out with the team a lot, and I sat in on a practice. It really helped me a lot. It reminded me of the track I do now. Everyone was having fun but being focused," Harewood said.

Track and field workouts will begin in the fall in preparation for indoor track this winter, followed by outdoor track in the spring.

In addition to the high jump, Harewood would like to compete in hurdles, but that will be up to the coaches. In the meantime, Harewood is looking forward to her arrival on campus on Aug. 31.

"I'm most nervous about the academics because it's all up to me. I was in National Honor Society and everything, but no one's there to tell you to do your homework. Overall, I'm really looking forward to a focused track team where everyone is on the same page. I'm looking forward to being able to call myself a Division 1 athlete," she said.

Harewood is planning on majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing.