One of New Jersey's very best in distance running, Alyssa Aldridge of Mainland Regional, has committed to Georgetown University. Aldridge, who has two Meet of Champions cross country titles, had been forgoing early season competition to make college trips throughout September. In addition to Georgetown University she also made official visits to Notre Dame and the University of Michigan.
"I was originally drawn to Georgetown by location, I'm in love with Washington, D.C. so the feel of having an amazing academic and athletic school there really excited me. When I met with Coach Culley and Coach Palmer I just instantly loved them as coaches and believed in what they were doing with the program." Aldridge stated in an interview with NJ MileSplit, "That led me to take an official. I really liked the women on the team... Everything just kind of came together and clicked."
Coach Julie Culley is also a New Jersey cross country and track legend. She competed in the 2012 Olympics advancing to the 5,000 meter finals in London after winning the U.S. Olympic Trials. After two years as an assistant coach and one as an interim director at the University she was made the Director of Cross Country and Track and Field at Georgetown in May of 2017.
Aldridge is defending two straight Meet of Champions titles, and if she can come back for a third she would be just the fourth to do so in state history. Last fall the Mainland senior won the Foot Locker Northeast Regional with a time of 17:40 and finished 13th at Nationals. She has track PRs of 10:27.44 in the 3200 meter and 4:51.43 in the 1600 meter. Her current Holmdel Park best of 17:55 ranks 12th all-time on the course.
One of New Jersey's very best in distance running, Alyssa Aldridge of Mainland Regional, has committed to Georgetown University. Aldridge, who has two Meet of Champions cross country titles, had been forgoing early season competition to make college trips throughout September. In addition to Georgetown University she also made official visits to Notre Dame and the University of Michigan.
"I was originally drawn to Georgetown by location, I'm in love with Washington, D.C. so the feel of having an amazing academic and athletic school there really excited me. When I met with Coach Culley and Coach Palmer I just instantly loved them as coaches and believed in what they were doing with the program." Aldridge stated in an interview with NJ MileSplit, "That led me to take an official. I really liked the women on the team... Everything just kind of came together and clicked."
