Already a standout volleyball player, Harlan County’s Lindsey Browning found a second sport midway through her junior year.
“It was because of my boyfriend. He said I looked strong,” Browning said with a laugh during a signing ceremony at the high school last week. “It was a very good move. It’s a sport that feels natural to me.”
Browning found immediate success in her new sport after her discussion with HCHS lineman and track standout Connor Blevins. She was the Area 9 champion in the discus last spring and finished third in the regional meet to qualify for state competition. She also grabbed the attention of Centre College coaches, leading to her decision to sign with Centre on Friday.
“I began touring in October and met coach (assistant Centre coach Jacob) Carter for the first time, then I toured again in February and made my final decision,” Browning said.
Centre is part of the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) and Great Lakes region. The men’s team has won multiple track and field conference titles, and Carter is excited about the potential of the women’s program.
“Lindsey is a thrower with great potential that can come in and make an immediate impact in the conference as a freshman. She is already throwing right at the distance that will be close to scoring for us. I know what type of worker she is and how passionate she is about throws,” Carter said. “She has constantly sent me videos and asked for tips trying to improve and it’s happening for her now. I’m excited to be able to work with her in person now and see what we can do for her in four years here at Centre. We’re hoping to bring home the women’s first title in the process.”
Browning is off to a good start in track as a senior, moving up to second in the region and fourth in the state in the discus at this point.
“I’m so proud of Lindsey and all she’s accomplished in her time in the program,” Harlan County track coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “She’s driven for success and shows the level of grit and determination necessary to reach her goals. I know she will do great for Centre. They have a fantastic program and an excellent coaching staff that will push her to greatness.”
Vitatoe said assistant coaches Ronnie Daniels and Arynn “Boo” Johnson deserve much of the credit for the success of the HCHS throwers.
“Both coach Daniels and coach Boo have done a great job to get her and all our throwers ready to compete,” he said. “Each of them has been integral to her growth and success and should be commended for their work.”
An all-district and all-region selection the past two years in volleyball, Browning had considered playing that sport in college but eventually decided on track. She is also a standout in the classroom with a 4.0 grade point average and is one of the valedictorians of her senior class.
“I want to be academically challenged,” Browning said of her decision to attend Centre. She plans to major in biology.