Turlock High’s Claire Silva signed on to run for William Jessup University’s cross country team on Tuesday, ensuring herself a new home once her senior year as a Bulldog comes to an end in June.

Silva—a four year cross country runner—was surprised with the news that William Jessup was interested in her services during a routine campus visit when Warrior coach Parker Daniells extended the invitation.

“Honestly, I never saw it coming. I always hoped and dreamed I’d be able to run in college so this is very exciting,” Silva said. “I was shocked and really pleased.”

Silva began her cross country trek as a freshman along with four other new Bulldogs—Mallory Patino, Andrea Perez, Lauren Daleth, and Leslie Beck. The core of runners logged countless miles over the past four years and helped lead Turlock to a third place Central California Conference finish this past season.

“We just had a blast and became good friends because of it,” Silva said. “I felt like cross country was my family and where I belonged.”

“Her strength is her attitude and spirit. That’s what’s going to make her successful at the next level,” Turlock coach JoAnne Davison said.

Silva will take her spirited attitude to a Warrior team that finished 2nd at last season’s California Pacific Conference Championships.

“I don’t think she’s even scratched the surface with her potential yet,” Davison said.

“I’m really looking forward to that family atmosphere and getting to know people right from the start,” Silva said. “I want to improve a lot. My dream is to be part of a national team, that would be amazing.”