The recruiting process wasn't exactly easy for Hinsdale Central senior Jill Hardies. Sure she had the times and with that the offers came. She took official visits to the University of Virginia, Wake Forest, the University of Illinois, the University of Notre Dame, and University of San Diego, but something wasn't right. None of the schools she visited "clicked" for her despite being great schools with terrific coaches and teams.
Hardies planned on having her college plans in place by October. It wasn't until January and after those official visits that she found the right fit. The University of North Carolina had always been a dream school for the standout who has three top ten state finishes in cross country including a runner-up finish as a sophomore. She was fifth as a junior before placing sixth at the Nike Midwest Regional and finished eighth this past season. She says due to a coaching change the Tarheels didn't contact her to after she took all her official visits so recently she paid a visit to the Chapel Hill campus on her own.
"I took an unofficial visit there and absolutely fell in love with every aspect of it: the team, the coaches, the campus, the incredible facilities, the world class academic opportunities, and just the feeling of Chapel Hill itself."
It was important for Hardies to have a great bond with the team. She says she felt at home with the guys and girls who have shown success in the classroom as well as in running.
"They are just genuinely good people who are fun to be around. They say your team is your family in college, and this team is definitely the group of girls and guys who I want to spend most of my time with in college."
Now that the process is over Hardies admits it is a great feeling and seems as if a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders. She now has her eyes set on the 2013 track season and improving on her fifth place finish in the 1600 meters where she clocked a personal best 4:57.47. She describes herself as a runner who loves competing and winning and knows the satisfaction that comes after hard work.
"I know that hard work really pay off in the end when you can see the results, are able to reach new heights, and accomplish things you never thought possible. I want to make this my best season yet and achieve goals I've had for the last couple years during my last high school season."