The Parker Valby we know today is an NCAA record-holder, a multiple-time collegiate champion and an all-around superstar for the University of Florida.
But five years ago?
On a University of North Florida track during the Class 3A 3,200m final at the FHSAA Class 3A Championships in 2109, Valby set a new Florida record and perhaps gave us an indication of where this all was going.
The signs were there.
Over the first 1,600m battling against Mater Academy's Valerie Lastra, Valby ran shoulder-to-shoulder with her competition. Then she made a devastating move and left Lastra in the dust, clocking a finishing time of 10:10.45. Valby captured the only state championship of her career on that night while also adding a runner-up finish in the 1,600m. The next fall, she also was second in the Class 4A race with a time of 17:30.20.
This past weekend at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, Valby finished her Florida career -- she's turning pro after her junior season -- with titles in the 5K and 10K, giving her five collegiate titles over the calendar year -- one in cross country, two over indoor and two more over outdoor.
She will finish her college career with six NCAA titles and three NCAA records, including both indoor and outdoor marks in the 5K and the outdoor 10K time.
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