Will Palmer Was Happy At Alabama. Then Florida Called.

Inside Recruiting
Tim Casey

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* Will Palmer during his time with the cross country programs at Alabama

Photo Credit: University of Alabama athletics


"I don't really care where someone's from. If they're excited about our program and we think they're a great fit and they have some talent and they want to get better, then we're excited to work with them."


By Tim Casey - MileSplit Recruiting Reporter

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Will Palmer was happy with his job.

He enjoyed coaching the women's cross country team and distance runners at Alabama, and he was coming off the best season in the Crimson Tide's history. In 2022, Palmer led Alabama to its first SEC cross country title since 1987, its first NCAA South Regional championship since 1986 and a program-best third place at the NCAA meet.

His wife, Sam Palmer, was a volunteer assistant and a trusted confidant; the couple had their first child last year. All in all, life was good.

Then, a series of events took place. The University of Florida's distance and cross country coach Chris Solinsky lef...