Amber Dandy has decided to continue her track and field career at the site of her most impressive performances. Dandy, one of the most decorated female track athletes in Red Bank High history, has signed a scholarship with Middle Tennessee State University.
Dandy won two state championships in the long jump and proved to be one of the state's top sprinters while competing in the Spring Fling at MTSU.
"I just felt comfortable with everything about the program," said Dandy, who also was recruited by Auburn, LSU, Kentucky and Murray State. "I know the whole area and the campus pretty well, and I got to know the coaches and just felt like it was the right place for me.
"I'm happy to have the decision over, and I'm glad I can start concentrating on competing and doing well in school."
Dandy covered 20 feet and a quarter inch in the long jump her junior year, a distance that ranked third nationally in 2010, and she won the event again this past spring. She also finished second in the Class A/AA 100-meter dash and helped the 4x100 relay team to a second-place finish.
Her best 100 time (12.08) and her best 200 (25.43) both rank among the state's top times.
A member of the Chattanooga Jets AAU team, she also was one of six girls chosen nationally to represent the U.S. against Japan and Germany in the Friendship Competition Track and Field Meet in Japan last spring. Dandy will compete in the Junior Olympics national meet in New Orleans later this month.
"I think she will be able to go in right away and contribute to the team," Jets coach Michael Gadson said. "Myself and the coaches of the Chattanooga Jets who have worked with Amber from age 10 would like to wish her well during her athletic and academic endeavor while at MTSU."