EHS: Track star Sandmeyer to attend USF

The only thing missing from the planned ceremony to announce Estero track star Katie Sandmeyer's decision to sign at the University of South Florida was Sandmeyer herself.

In a rare display of humility -- an athlete actually shunning the spotlight? -- the state's defending high-jump champion and holder of three Estero High records (for high-jump, most points in a meet and most points in a season) decided at the last minute to postpone the hoopla and use her time to focus on what matters most: her upcoming basketball and track seasons.

"I was supposed to, but I'm not big into publicity," said Sandmeyer, who will attend USF on a half-scholarship for track and will major in sports medicine. "I was getting crap from friends saying, 'Why don't you announce it?' but I'm just not big into that. It's just not a big deal."

The three-sport standout, who also plays volleyball and basketball, said she chose USF over the University of Florida and Mississippi State, among others, because she felt an immediate connection with the Bulls' coaching staff.

"When I went up for the visit, the coaches were really awesome," she said. "I felt like I could have a father/daughter relationship with them, and Don Marsh, the high-jump coach, will just call to see how I'm doing. Stuff like that brings you closer to a coach."

Marsh may not have much to work on, though, considering the Naples Daily News Track Athlete of the Year won the Class 3A state title last May by clearing 5-8 at the finals in Gainesville.

Sandmeyer said she will miss the high school where she has firmly etched her name in the track record books, but making her decision relieves a lot of pressure heading into her final high school basketball and spring track seasons.

"I'm so glad that the recruiting process is over," she said with a laugh. "I finally belong to someone, to a school, so it's a relief, let me tell you. Everyone that I tell, they ask why I don't go to a bigger school, but I felt a connection with the USF coaches. Not many stayed in contact as much as they did, and I kind of knew that I wanted to stay with them."

The first in her family to go to college, Sandmeyer said her love for sports has also had a profound impact on her career choice.

"I want to be an athletic trainer, but I did hear that it's difficult for athletes in college because you need your internship hours," she said. "I've wanted to do this, so I'll find a way to make it work. I've been around sports all my life, so why not have a career in it?"

Contact Sports Editor Dana Oppedisano at 213-6045 or doppedisano@naplesnews.com