Junior Avery Whitehead has verbally committed to play Division 1 lacrosse at Furman University.

“Whenever I compared it [Furman] to my other options, it was always better,” Whitehead said. “Also, Furman’s team is new and super up-and-coming, so I really wanted to be a part of that.”

Whitehead also said Furman’s southern location and great academics played a huge role in her decision, as did the coaching staff.

Whitehead has spent her past three summers in Baltimore, Md., playing for Sky Walkers, a competitive lacrosse team.

“My family has had to sacrifice a lot to make that happen,” Whitehead said. She also credits “all of [her] super supportive friends and competitive lacrosse teammates that have been with [her] throughout the whole process.”

Whitehead thanked the St. George’s community for all of their help and support.

“[Thanks to] my lacrosse coaches, Coach Patterson and Coach Sawicki, for always helping me become more comfortable playing and pushing me to get better. Also anyone at St. George’s that I have played lacrosse with! Being in an environment with such a great group of girls makes it fun and easy to practice and want to become a better player.”

Whitehead considered Vanderbilt University, University of Richmond, High Point University and George Washington University before deciding on Furman.