Jungling picks UNI track

Sophia Jungling admits the college-decision-making process was often stressful.

She had a gut feeling about the University of Northern Iowa, though.

"You just get that feeling that it was meant to be," Jungling said.

The three-time state track champion and three-time state cross country medalist announced her decision on Twitter Saturday to join UNI's women's track and field and cross country programs.

The final four in Jungling's search were Iowa State, University of Iowa, Illinois State and UNI, making official visits to all four schools.

When it came down to the final choice, Jungling felt that UNI's group best reflected Jungling's own small-school experience at Aplington-Parkersburg.

"We all get along really well here [at A-P] and going into college I wanted that to stay the same," Jungling said. "When it came to coaches, I wanted someone who cared about me as a person as much as a runner and Coach [Dave] Paulsen showed that from the moment he started recruiting me. He went out of his way to show me that he cares and that he wants me to be part of their program."

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