MADISON- Zuri Falkner has come full-circle in her life as the James Clemens’ senior athlete signed an athletic scholarship with Southern Mississippi at a ceremony held at the school. The 5-foot-8 track star currently partakes in the shotput, discus and javelin for the Jets.

“This is tremendously exciting as I didn’t believe in myself as much as my coaches did,” said Falkner, 18. “I saw a couple of my friends sign scholarships and I told myself I could do that, too.”

Falkner lives with her uncle and aunt, Elan and Amanda Gaddy, who have helped raise Falkner since both of her parents died when she was nine years old. Elan Gaddy is part of track program’s coaching staff at James Clemens and has become more a part of her life than just a coach. Behind his coaching and Falkner’s dedication to pursue track, the mighty athlete holds several school records in her field events- the shotput (42-feet, 5 inches), the discus (129-11) and javelin (115). She has exceled in all three, but one of her events is simply her favorite.

“The discus,” said Falkner. “That was easier for me to learn and is easier for me to throw. I love the freedom I feel when I’m in the circle and ready to throw.”

Falkner carries a 2.8 GPA and plans to pursue kinesiology and physical therapy at Southern Miss. Her study of the mechanics of body movement in the field of medicine certainly matches her attributes as an athlete and having the correct body movements to excel on a state level. She chose Southern Miss over other schools including Sanford, UAB, UAH, Montevallo and Birmingham Southern.

“I first time I tried track for fun was while I was in the fifth grade as I competed against boys and I ended up loving the sport,” said Falkner.  “Coming this far in the sport is exciting. My life has come full-circle.”