Mackenzie Virgil, senior javelin thrower for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Raiders, announced her commitment to Rider University on Tuesday, Feb. 13 via Instagram. Virgil is the second member of the girls track and field team to announce their commitment. 

Virgil will be spending her next four years in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, competing for the Broncs in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) at the Division 1 level. A private university, Rider offers students various majors and courses to continue their educational endeavors, some of which include psychology, accounting and elementary education. For Virgil, Rider University was the perfect school, leading to her commitment to the university.

“I committed to Rider because I believed it was the best fit for me. I knew I didn’t want a big school and after visiting Rider I knew it was the one,” Virgil told The Fanscotian.

Virgil will be joining the Broncs after one of their most successful seasons in recent years, being crowned MAAC Outdoor Track and Field Champions in May 2023.

Virgil has had her fair share of success at SPFHS. In the 2022-23 season, she teamed up with junior thrower Maggie McNulty to place first in the team javelin at the Husky Relays. She was also a part of the North Two Group Four Sectional Championship team. On the personal side, Virgil made it to the Group Four State Championship, placing sixth out of all athletes.

Along with competing in the javelin throw, Virgil is also a member of the girls varsity basketball team, contributing as a strong rebounder and team leader. Virgil will compete one final time for the SPFHS Raiders this upcoming spring, hoping to repeat her past success.

“I will definitely miss my teammates at SPFHS. Whether it was making long practices enjoyable or spending time together at 14-hour meets, the team always supported each other,” Virgil said. “Even in horrible weather conditions, practice was fun because of my teammates.”