Rae to throw for Vandals
Courtesy photo Bonners Ferry High School senior Victoria Rae, shown here throwing the discus, has signed with the University of Idaho Track and Field program.
BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry High School senior, Victoria Rae, two-time Idaho State Champion in track and field, has signed with the University of Idaho and will be joining their track and field program.
“I chose University of Idaho because I could see myself thriving in their track program as well as thriving in their academically-driven atmosphere,” said Rae. “I also knew months before my visit to University of Idaho that I liked the coaching style of their throws coach because I got to work with him at the Ironwood Throws camp back in July.”
Rae also liked the idea of the close proximity to home that the school provided, so she would be able to easily return here for the holidays or if she gets homesick.
Rae won the shot put at the Idaho State Championships as a sophomore and again as a junior. As a freshman, she also placed third at the state meet in the shot put. She became involved in track in seventh grade when her mother, who threw in middle school, high school, and college, encouraged her to give it a try, and became her first throws coach.
“I remember being so frustrated with shot put and discus that I almost gave up on it. But my mom kept coaching me, allowing me to become a successful thrower and athlete,” said Rae. “She continues to support me to this day as both a coach and mom. I couldn’t ask for a better supporter than her.”
Rae has also stood out in other sports, such as volleyball. She started for the Badgers for three years, earned All-League her junior and senior years, was the MVP for Bonners Ferry as a junior, and team captain as a senior.
The playing field is not the only area that Rae has excelled. She earned a spot on the honor roll every semester while in high school.
“My goals for the future include becoming the best thrower I can be with the help of my teammates and coaches down at U of I, and graduating college with a degree in a field I’m passionate about,” said Rae. “I’m still undecided on what I want to study, but I am very interested in majoring in education and potentially becoming a math teacher or majoring in physical therapy.”
Rae is excited to embark on her new adventure and said that she feels very confident in her decision to join the team at the University of Idaho.
“During my visit, I had the opportunity to interact with the track athletes both during practice and during their down-time,” said Rae. “When I sat and observed their practice, I saw a team that was passionate about their events and were motivated to be the best athletes they can be.”
Rae felt she would fit in with the other throwers because they have similar personalities and values.
“To be around athletes who love their event, put in the hard work, and are dedicated to the program is exactly the type of team I want to be a member of, and I can’t wait to join them next fall,” said Rae.