Athlete of the Week: Devin McDermott

Lakewood Ranch High graduate Devin McDermott was one of 24 student-athletes selected to join the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Academic All-State team. McDermott, who maintained a 4.3 grade point average and earned a scholarship to run cross-country at the University of Florida next fall, was honored during a banquet Monday, June 11, in Gainesville. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the FHSAA Academic All-State team?
Being a part of this team is definitely a huge honor. To be recognized as one of the top 12 female student-athletes in the state of Florida is something that I feel very thankful to have achieved.

What are you looking forward to the most about attending UF?
I think what I’m most looking forward to are all of the new opportunities it has to offer. Whether it’s the chance to run and compete in races all across America or obtain an internship in a few years, I know God is going to open so many doors for me.

What do you plan on studying?
I’ll be majoring in telecommunications in the hopes of becoming a sports broadcast journalist.

Do you have any siblings?
I have a brother, Derek, who is 22 years old, and a sister, Danae, who is 16 years old and will be a senior at Lakewood Ranch High next year.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
My dream is to go backpacking through Europe after I graduate college. I’m not going to follow an exact schedule; I just want to explore and take it one day at a time.

Do you have a favorite book?
My favorite book is “Crazy Love,” by Francis Chan, because it perfectly portrays the kind of life Christians should live.

Who is your biggest role model?
Erin Andrews, a sideline reporter for ESPN. She has the exact job that I, one day, hope to attain. My dad and I watch college football every weekend, and to see her being so successful at what is considered to be a “man’s job” is so inspiring.