After a long day at school on Nov. 21, the football, girls basketball, track, girls swim and dive team and close friends and family came out to see Paige Magee sign her letter of intent to continue her athletic and educational journey at the University of Iowa.

Magee had three official visits, which ended up being her top three schools. Among those schools was the University of Nebraska and the University of Wisconsin. Magee said it was a hard decision, but that she knew Iowa was a top school on her list. 

“All the schools I visited had a great atmosphere and had what I wanted athletically. But Iowa has a very excellent nursing program, and my event coach has a great track record of sending his athletes to big ten’s and nationals and he himself is a silver medalist,” Magee said.

Magee turned down an opportunity to go to her family’s school, Nebraska. Her dad Joseph Magee attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and her mom Sheri Magee attended the University of Nebraska College of Nursing. Growing up, Magee lived a few hours outside of Lincoln, Nebraska. 

“When I was little I would run around the house saying like “Go Hawkeyes” jokingly to poke fun at my grandparents. It was a shocker to see them wear Iowa gear for a change,” Magee said laughing. “Athletically, Nebraska had everything I wanted. They invest so much money into their athletes and first-year athlete programs. But there will be a time where my track career will end,” Magee said. “Iowa had a great everything for what I want to do academically.” 

Magee plans to follow her parents’ footsteps and major in medicine. 

Joseph Magee said he supports Magee in her decision. 

“I am a Nebraska alum, but at the end of the day, she is the star. It’s her walking on the campus at the end of the day, and it was her decision. But I’ll still support her no matter what,” Joseph Magee said.

Track coach Elizabeth Adcock said she believes Iowa gained a great student-athlete and scholar and looks forward to seeing how Magee does in college.  

“They’re getting an excellent athlete and a great leader, and her great work ethic. If you have watched her throughout her time at Battle how much she has improved in her times and form,” Adcock said.

Magee has now officially signed to attend the University of Iowa next year. Magee now can focus on the upcoming track season without the worry of where she is going next year.