Pampa High School senior Lexi Maul has chosen where she will take her track and cross country career next: West Texas A&M University.
At a signing party on Wednesday afternoon, Maul put the pen to paper and officially became a WTAMU Buffalo.
“I felt really accepted by the team and it’s close to home,” Maul said on her decision. “I just felt really accepted there.”
Cross Country Head Coach Meganne Salazar said Maul was the personification of a Harvester.
“As a first year head coach, Lexi was the athlete that all coaches hope to have and represented what a true Harvester looks like,” Salazar Said.
“She was kind, respectful, and overall a disciplined athlete. Giving advice and always encouraging her teammates, Lexi always made sure that no one felt left out and everyone had a place.”
Maul, who has been in cross country/track since seventh grade, went to the State Cross Country meet the last three years, and the State Track meet last year.
“I started in seventh grade to stay in shape for basketball,” Maul said. “But I fell in love with the sport and kind of decided to stick to that as my main sport. I never thought or planned on going to college until I got serious about running.”
It’s that focus and drive that Salazar feels will make Maul successful at WTAMU.
“Her will power and determination,” Salazar said. “Lexi models what a student-athlete should look like and WTAMU is lucky to have her.”
Maul said coaches Mark Elms and Meganne Salazar were a big part of her running career.
“They both have been super supportive and even Coach Elms continues to support me (after retiring),” Maul said. “They help me out whenever they can.”
Salazar added her favorite memories of Maul are being able to experience the Regional and State meets with her.
Maul will be majoring in sports/exercise program and hopes to be accepted into the Texas Tech Physical Therapy program.
