Women's Track Signs Two Top Recruits

Nov. 30, 2004

Coral Gables, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) – Head women’s track and field coach Amy Deem announces the signing of Pavi’Elle James (Miami Northwestern) and Krista Simkins (Wissahickon, Pa.) to national letters of intent to attend the University of Miami next fall.

James helped lead Northwestern to a runner-up finish at the 2004 Class 4A FSHAA Track and Field Championships capturing her second consecutive State Championship in the 100-meter hurdles. Her winning time of 13.53 seconds tied the state record and ranked as the fourth fastest time in the nation by a high school athlete last season.

“Pavi’Elle (James) will be a tremendous asset to our program,” said Deem. “She is extremely talented and we expect her to continue Miami’s long line of great hurdlers. In addition, Pavi’Elle is accustomed to competing at the highest level and brings us more experience than most hurdlers her age.”

In 2003 James placed fifth in the 100-meter hurdles at the Adidas High School Outdoor Track and Field Championships and finished sixth at the World Youth Championships in Sherbrooke, Canada.

Simkins posted the fastest 200-meter time by a high school runner in Pennsylvania last season (23.79) and ranked 20th in the nation. Her indoor 200-meter time of 24.41 seconds was the tenth fastest in the nation while her indoor 400-meter time of 55.00 seconds ranked seventh in the United States.

“Krista (Simkins) is a great addition to our team,” said Deem. “Her versatility will certainly help us next season in the sprints and relays.”

Simkins, the Pennsylvania State record holder in the 200-meters (23.77), captured the 2003 PIAA State AAA Championship in the 200-meters with a time of 23.97 seconds.