RISING Finn Valley AC ace Cassie Lagan is heading off to begin an athletics scholarship in America in the coming days.
Lagan has taken up a scholarship offer from Augusta University, Georgia.
Lagan, who is coached by Conor Moore, came third in the Ulster 10k. Adam Ward, the athletics coach at Augusta University, is looking forward to working with the Omagh teenager.
“Cassie brings a wealth of experience and talent to our team to help us take a big step to compete with the top teams in conference and the region,” Ward said.
“She has a great range on the track and has competed on some very tough cross country courses/conditions. That will be big for our women’s team in the fall as we look to return to the NCAAs.”
Lagan joins a long list of Finn Valley AC athletes who have gone down the American scholarship route over the years.
The likes of Camilla Harron, Dempsey McGuigan, Shannon McLaughlin, Pauric McLaughlin, Arlene Crossan, Sarah Collins, Grainne O’Dea and Oisin Gallen.
Cassie Lagan
Former Irish Olympic Team Manager Patsy McGonagle said: “The scholarship in Augusta is a great opportunity for Cassie as she continues her learning and her athletic development in the right environment.
“Cassie is a dedicated young athlete and if she grabs this chance she can go even better in the sport.
“I have been a long-time advocate of athletes going on scholarships to the States. The facilities, the environment and the competition on offer is much greater than we have in Ireland. Athletes sometimes have to come out of their comfort zone to really flourish.
“Cassie will have the continued support of her family, of course, and of us all at Finn Valley AC as she embarks on then journey.”
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