THOMASVILLE — Thomas County Central senior Payton West made school history Thursday by becoming the first student-athlete to sign a college rowing scholarship.

West, known for her basketball and flag football participation, will attend Rollins College on a rowing scholarship. The signing ceremony took place at the school.

“It’s very exciting. I’m happy I get this opportunity and I’m just ready for the future,” West said.

West said she chose Rollins College because of the program’s values and approach to student-athletes.

“I love what they stand for. They’re a very big, family-oriented group and they’re more than just like, that’s my player. They’re more of a, this is a real person and I like that,” she said.

The senior said making history at Thomas County Central was unexpected.

“It’s kind of crazy, to be honest, because I wouldn’t have thought that it would have been me, but I’m very happy to get this opportunity and very appreciative of it,” West said.

West visited the Rollins campus in Winter Park, Florida, before making her decision. She said she looks forward to the challenge of trying a new sport at the collegiate level.

“Just getting an opportunity to do something new, doing something I’ve never tried before and I’m excited to try it. And I like challenging myself, so it’s going to be a very fun challenge,” she said.

West credited her family’s support for making the opportunity possible.

“I have to really thank my family because they helped me get here, and without them I would not have gotten this opportunity to play at the next level,” she said.

The student-athlete said community support played a significant role in reaching this milestone.

“It’s a big part of what is getting me to college, and I really could not have done it without them, without the support they give me,” West said.

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