Women's Track Signs Darden

Nov. 30, 2001

Coral Gables, FL – Head women’s track and field coach Amy Deem announces the signing of Dominique Darden (Harrisburg, PA) to a national letter of intent to attend the University of Miami next fall. Darden selected Miami over a number of schools including Florida, South Carolina, Arizona State, Baylor and Alabama.

“Dominique (Darden) will be a tremendous asset to our program,” said Deem. “Her versatility will make her a major factor for us in the sprints, hurdles and relays. Her character, hard work and dedication to both academics and track will help strengthen our team next season. Dominique is also accustomed to competing at the highest level and brings us more experience than most runners her age.”

Darden finished first in the 200-meters (23.97) and 100-meter hurdles (14.51) at the 2001 National AAU Junior Olympics this summer in Norfolk, VA. Earlier in the summer she qualified for the finals of the 400-meters at the USA Junior National Championships where she finished sixth with a time of 54.79.

As a junior at Harrisburg High School, Darden won state indoor titles in the 200-meters (24.15) and 400-meters (54.16) establishing meet records in both events. Her 400-meter time ranked as the third fastest in the nation last season while her 200-meter time ranked sixth.

Darden was equally impressive at the state outdoor meet winning the 100-meter hurdles (14.53) while finishing second in the 200-meters (24.97) and third in the 400-meters (56.21).

As a freshman Darden was state champion in the 400-meters, and was a member of the state champion 4×400-meter relay her sophomore season.

Darden is also a leader off the track where she has served as class president as a junior and senior, president of the student council the last three years, and an honor roll student the last four years.