UNION CITY – Junia Hines said her track and field coaches pushed her to see how far she could go.
The Union City Area High School senior competed in the triple jump, the long jump, and javelin and was a member of the 4×100 relay team for the Bears.
Hines will continue her academic and athletic career in college. On May 27, she signed a letter of intent to commit to PennWest Edinboro.
Hines, 18, signed the letter of intent in the high school media center in front of family, friends, coaches and the track and field team.
“I chose PennWest because it was close to home, affordable, and I’m able to get the education that I want from them as well as the sports,” Junia said.
She is the daughter of Jay and Jessica Hines. She has one brother, Jacob Hines.
At PennWest, she will major in psychology with a minor in education.
Hines will also compete in the triple jump and the javelin for the Fighting Scots.
While in high school, she participated on the track and field team, and the swimming and diving team. She was a wrestling cheerleader and a football cheerleader.
She is also an assistant gymnastics coach.
Kim DeSimone is the track and field head coach for Union City and Jordan Sipe is one of the assistant coaches.
DeSimone said Hines discovered a talent for javelin this year.
“I am excited that she will continue to excel in javelin at PennWest,” DeSimone said. “Junia is also a natural triple jumper who will continue to master her steps and accomplish goals in college.”
Now, Hines wants to thank those coaches who made her work.
“I’d like to thank the coaches that helped me push myself to see how far I could go, and a special shout out to Coach Sipe for letting me find enjoyment in the javelin,” Hines said.