THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Thomas County Central’s Zykierra Hightower signed her National Letter of Intent to compete in track and field at Austin Peay State University, becoming only the second female in school history to sign with a Division I track program.

Hightower, a three-time AAU All-American, has competed on the flag football field, in the classroom and on the track during her time with the Yellowjackets. She holds multiple school records in both flag football and track, with her father serving as her track coach throughout her career.

Why Austin Peay

Hightower said finances played a key role in her college decision.

“Austin Peay because it was the best one financial-wise, and I almost had a full-ride scholarship from it,” Hightower said. “And I just feel like being there, like I’ll be successful there, and I know I could compete good in the conference and hopefully move on to be an LSU Tiger.”

What’s next

Hightower said she hopes to eventually transfer to LSU. Heading into her final high school track season, she said she is aiming to break more of her own records and bring a state title back to Thomas County Central.

Hightower was previously named VSU Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

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