Dawson County High School senior standout Frankie Muldoon officially committed to run on the collegiate level recently.

The four-time All-State cross country runner signed a four year scholarship to run for the Georgia State University Panthers in a brief ceremony at the Performing Arts Center on March 29.

Part of the decision-making process included the ability to run all year round and GSU was the only school that offered Muldoon that ability as a member of not only the cross country team but also the indoor and outdoor track and field teams.

After meeting the team on her official campus earlier this year, Muldoon recognized the caliber of the athletes and knew that she had found her team.

“I really enjoyed my visit, meeting the girls, the team,” Muldoon said. “They are really good, and I felt that I would get the best competition from them as a team and that’s what I need to help me.”

Muldoon maintained an honors-weighted GPA of 4.2 through high school and plans to pursue a degree in sports nutrition with the goal of advising athletic teams on proper diet and eating habits.

“Every college and professional football team has a nutritionist on staff,” Muldoon said. “It’s an important part of being an athlete and teams need that information.”

Cross country Head Coach Charles Beusse covered the impressive list of accomplishments that highlight Muldoon’s cross country career at DCHS and the impact she has had on the program during her four-year tenure.

“(Muldoon) has won four individual region championships, led the women's team to two region championships, set the DCHS women's cross-country school record, been a four time All-State runner, led the women's team to four top 10 finishes at state, and helped our women earn a fourth place podium finish at state,” Beusse said.

“While she will be missed, the standard that (Muldoon) has helped to set for DCHS cross country will last long after she is gone. (Muldoon's) signing with GSU is not only because of her athletic ability, but also due to her hard work in the classroom and her overall character as an individual.”

Due to the gap between running seasons at DCHS, Muldoon waited until near the end of the school year to begin some of her applications so she could include statistics from this season’s track and field events. The happiness and relief of putting the decision behind her was evident as she spoke after the ceremony.

“Obviously, it’s a relief. I know I was really cutting it close,” Muldoon said. “I’m just really excited to see where it takes me. I’m anxious to get to know the girls and become a part of that team.”