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Vandebilt senior distance runner Alexa Breaux won multiple district titles this week.
No one is surprised – she’s been doing that type of thing since the eighth grade.
With the victories, Breaux added to her seemingly infinite collection of trophies, ribbons and gold medals that she’s accumulated throughout her dominant, storied career.
But while the titles were nice additions to the collection, Breaux’s past week was special for a different reason.
She finally found her college home.
The dominant Terriers runner signed a National Letter of Intent with UL-Lafayette this past week – a decision Breaux said she made after fielding interest from several programs around the Southeast.
Breaux said she plans to do both cross country and track and field at the college level – much like she’s done throughout her career at Vandebilt.
The standout runner said it’s a blessing to have a collegiate home, adding that having the opportunity to compete at the next level is something she’s wanted for her whole career.
“It really does feel like a dream come true,” Breaux said. “Looking back to eighth grade when I first started running, I never could have dreamed that I would have made it this far.”
But she did, and those around the Vandebilt program tout that it’s the icing on the cake in a career that’s been one of the best in school history.
Terriers track coach Dave Malone said he’s proud of Breaux’s accomplishments, touting that any college program around the country would be better by having the standout on its team.
He said what sets Breaux apart is an intense work ethic and a desire to be great – attributes that have powered her throughout her time at Vandebilt.
“Alexa Breaux is one of the greatest athletes in Vandebilt Catholic history,” Malone said.
“She has earned every accolade and medal that the state awards…. I could not be more proud of Alexa for her accomplishments and her scholarship to ULL. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of that honor. She will do great there.”
The Ragin’ Cajuns think so, too.
Breaux said UL-Lafayette has recruited her since she won the LHSAA Cross Country State Championship in 2014 – one of two such titles that she’s earned in her career.
From there, she went on an official visit this past fall, which opened her eyes to how the school could be a great fit for her future.
During that visit, the Ragin’
Cajuns offered Breaux a scholarship for the first time.
“When I first toured, I liked both the academic and athletic aspect of the school,” Breaux said. “After going on my official visit, I really felt that it would be a good fit for me.”
Malone said he’s not surprised to hear the runner talk about both academics and the people around the UL-Lafayette program. The coach said Breaux’s easy-going personality will allow her to fit into her new team with ease.
“She has a great work ethic and a fun-natured attitude,” Malone said. “She will be an asset to that school not just on the course or track, but in the classroom, as well. We will miss her dearly at Vandebilt – not just for her athletic abilities, but also for the person she is.”
But she stressed that her time with the school isn’t done just yet.
Breaux said one of the reasons behind the timing of her decision was to allow her time to focus on ending her Terriers career with a bang.
The decorated runner said she has eyes on two more gold medals for her massive collection.
Breaux said she won’t start looking ahead to UL-Lafayette until each she crosses the finish line in that final race.
“I want to end on a high note,” Breaux said. “My goal is for two gold medals at the state meet. For me, that would be the icing on the cake. I want to win the 1,600-meter run and the 3,200-meter run. If I can do that, it’d be a great ending to my Vandebilt career.”
Vandebilt Catholic distance runner Alexa Breaux makes the turn during the 1,600-meter run at a recent meet. Breaux signed with UL-Lafayette this week, while also winning district.
