Coronado’s Jennelle Jaeger-Darakjy signs to run at Texas

Coronado standout Jennelle Jaeger-Darakjy signed a national letter of intent Wednesday afternoon to continue her cross county and track career at Texas.

Jaeger-Darakjy had other offers from big-name programs including TCU, Oklahoma State, and Utah, but in the end she chose to take her talents to Austin.

The star runner had previously committed about two weeks ago, but she made it official with one quick stroke of a pen in front of friends, family, and teammates at Coronado Wednesday afternoon.

She says that she hopes her big day will inspire others who want to follow in her footsteps.

“And I just thought after every practice where we’re out there training and racing our hearts out, it all gets to this point one day,” she said. “And I love encouraging other people that they’ll get to this part and this day as well, if they work as hard.”

The Texas Girls Coaches Association named her a member of the all-state track and field team last season after she won bronze in the 800 at the state meet.

This season, Jaeger-Darakjy has already found success in cross country, finishing 11th in the state in 6A.

While she still has another season of high school track and field to look forward to, she’s also anxious to test herself against college competition.

“I’m excited to go on to the next level with all these crazy fast girls,” she said. “So, I’m excited for that, and I’m excited to see a new atmosphere as well, a change of place.”