Breaking Down The IL 2016 Signing Class (Remix)

Tony Jones

Samara Miller running for the Aurora Flyers Track Club over the summer (Renard Miller photo)

I want to run in the 54's this year," said an unknown Samara Miller last year prior to the start of the track season. The then junior from Naperville (Neuqua Valley) had a very thin if not non-existent running resume. But when Aurora Flyers Track Club coach Thomas Boatright got his hands on Miller it was a wrap. Although Miller did not reach her intended target she did blaze 55.12 and capture the attention of many college recruiters. The ultimate goal was obtaining a scholarship. It now appears that Purdue University is the winner. Miller takes a moment to talk about her college selection and the upcoming goals for 2016.

Samara, congratulations on your commitment to Purdue! The recruiting process for you is now over, how does it feel to have that weight off your shoulders?

Being heavily recruited was definitely a new experience for me. I wasn't sure what to expect or how to go about a lot of the recruitment process. Coaches were in and out my home, I visited seven states for official and unofficial visits within two months, and my phone was always ringing.  The entire process was so overwhelming and forced me to make some hard decisions as a young adult. I'm glad it is over but I'm thankful for it and I am very confident in my decision.

What was it about Purdue that made you decide that it was was the next stop for your academic and athletic career? What are you looking to study at Purdue?

Before even stepping foot on campus, I knew I liked what Purdue had to offer. It wasn't until I viewed the campus, talked to a law advisor regarding pre-law as my field of study, and observed a practice that I fell in love. The atmosphere of both the campus and athletic life, as well as the team chemistry was so welcoming and instantly felt like home. The level of athleticism and commitment that every athlete, both male and female, demonstrated to me made the decision a no-brainer.

How has your training been going thus far after a long summer of competition? 

Coach Boatright gave me two weeks off then, I started strength and conditioning with him two times a week up until my indoor season which started November 11th. With that being said, my main focus was getting and maintaining the strength I need to go to the next level.

As you mentioned in the summer, you're a newcomer to track and field after being heavily involved in dance for much of your life. What has been the most difficult part of your transition from something you've been doing for a long time to a sport like track and field?  

The most difficult transition was definitely using my muscles in a more aggressive manner. As a dancer, ballet specific, your muscles are elongated and strong in different areas and ways. As a runner, your muscles are shorter and definitely exert a greater force than a graceful ballerina. However, the discipline, posture, and core strength ballet gave me has benefited my running abilities in more ways than you would think.

You've gained some valuable experience on the track these last few years resulting in a 5th place finish in Charleston followed by an eye opening summer of competition which resulted in several PRs and All American honors. Heading into your final season at Neuqua Valley you are one of the favorites in a few events this upcoming season, what individual goals have you set for yourself entering your final season of prep competition?

By the middle of indoor season I plan to be as close to 53.xx as I can get in the quarter-mile. For the 200m, I'm working to break 24-seconds. This is my senior year and I don't plan on going out with anything less than a bang. As Coach Boatright would say, it's fly time!


Personal Records

  • 200m (in) - 26.47
  • 200m - 24.87
  • 400m (in) - 57.85
  • 400m - 55.12
  • High Jump (in) - 5-2