Carlisle High School track and field standout Alesha Jackson signed a letter of intent to continue her athletic career at the University of Texas at Tyler in a ceremony with family and friends on Friday morning. (Audrey Blaschke/Henderson News)

PRICE — Carlisle High School track and field standout Alesha Jackson signed a letter of intent to continue her athletic career at the University of Texas at Tyler in a ceremony with family and friends on Friday morning.

Jackson is a two-time high jumper medalist at the UIL Class 2A Track and Field State Championships, taking home bronze as a junior and silver as a sophomore. She also qualified to the state meet as a freshman.

“It took a lot to get here and it means a lot to me,” says Jackson, who will be pursuing a nursing degree while furthering her track and field career. Jackson has wanted to be a nurse since junior high to follow in the footsteps of several family members before her.

Jackson started her track and field career as a seventh grader and Carlisle coach Jerod Roland has been there for every step.

“She’s such an impressive young lady. She’s a great student—has a 101 GPA which is just ridiculous. And the thing that sets her apart is she’s an elite competitor,” says Roland. “At the high end track meets she’s always jumped her best. It’s jaw dropping.”

Roland adds that Jackson is a pleasure to coach and a pleasure to be around with an effort and attitude that’s unmatched.

“You’ve got to have something special inside to be able to rise to those levels. Normal people will wilt during those times. And she doesn’t,” says Roland. “And I told her college coach that. And I think she has more to give on the track as a runner or as a jumper. She’s got more.”

Jackson is healthy and ready to get her last high school track and field season started.

“It’s the last one so I need to get my gold medal at state!” says Jackson. “So I’m a little scared. But other than that, I’m a little sad that it’s my last one.”