Jacey Locci has found her stride when it comes to her future. The Stillwater High School senior was surrounded by family, friends, teammates and coaches Monday, April 22, as she signed her National Letter of Intent to run for LeMoyne College and participate in the school’s physician’s assistant program.
“I would like to thank my parents, grandparents, sister and coach for their support and encouragement,” said Jacey. “I’m excited for the next chapter and to see what my future at LeMoyne holds.”
LeMoyne was a Division II school for collegiate sports but transitioned to Division I in the fall of 2023. Jacey will compete in the 600 meters, high jump and mid-distance during the indoor track season, while her outdoor events will include the 400 meters and high jump; Jacey will participate in the 4×100 meters her senior year at LeMoyne. As for Jacey’s field of study, LeMoyne offers an accelerated physician’s assistant program to first-year students, where they have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and a master’s degree in physician assistant studies; Jacey was accepted into the highly competitive 3+2 program.
A member of Stillwater’s cross country and track teams since seventh grade, Jacey originally wasn’t interested in running. From the time she was 10 years old, her heart was set on cheerleading. It wasn’t until Jacey joined the Outliers Club in the summer of 2016 that she began to fall in love with running and soon found a passion for the sport.
“My favorite part of track is achieving personal bests and goals, in addition to being a part of relays,” Jacey said.
Jacey competed on Stillwater’s modified cross country team her first season, where Coach Shawn McClements quickly noticed her natural talent. He subsequently moved Jacey up to the varsity indoor track and field team, exposing her to a new realm of events and competition. Over the next several years, Jacey excelled in the sport, both as an athlete and a leader. She was the captain of Stillwater’s cross country team for four years and the track and field team captain for two.
She earned multiple awards and recognitions, including Cross Country All-Star (2019, 2021-2023), Spectrum’s Athlete of the Week and team MVP for cross country and track and field. Most notably, Jacey broke the Stillwater High School indoor track record for the 600 meters this year, which was commemorated with the addition of her name to the school’s record wall.
Jacey’s talents extend beyond the track and into the classroom; the high school senior currently holds a 100-plus average and is a member of the National Honor Society. Jacey will also graduate as part of Stillwater’s top ten for the Class of 2024. When asked why she wanted to become a physician’s assistant, Jacey said she was inspired by her family as many are employed in healthcare.
“I have a ton of family that works in healthcare. My parents, grandparents, aunts and cousins all work in the healthcare industry in different positions. I’ve also always enjoyed the sciences and learning about health-related topics, which made my decision all the more easier,” said Jacey.
With graduation less than two months away, Jacey is making the most of her time left at Stillwater while preparing for the road ahead. Looking back at her many accomplishments, one of her favorite memories is from the 2022 Cross Country Sectionals where she qualified for the state competition. At the April 22 signing, Coach McClements highlighted Jacey’s leadership and commitment to running during her time at Stillwater, saying, “she leads with kindness and a genuine concern for others” and “will be very missed.”
While Jacey may be leaving Stillwater soon, she’ll never forget the people and memories made throughout her time as a student. The support and guidance from family, teachers and coaches enabled Jacey to not only succeed at Stillwater, but prepared her to be successful in her future endeavors.
As Jacey’s father put it best, “We know Jacey will continue to shine bright.”
Jacey Locci was also interviewed by the Daily Gazette, which can be viewed here.