Addison Lyles signs to run cross-country and track at Harding University

Addison Lyles signed with the Harding University cross-country and track and field programs, joined by members of her family, seated (L-R) Austin Lyles, Julia Lyles and Adam Lyles. Standing (L-R) Dacy Larkins and Avery Lyles.

Marshall County student-athlete Addison Lyles signed on Wednesday with Harding University in Searcy, Ark. to run cross-country and track and field.

Addison has been a member of the Marshall County track program for seven years, six of those years at the varsity level. She has been an integral part of the Lady Marshals’ success in many events over the course of those six seasons.

Addison specializes in the distance events and is currently in pursuit of the outdoor 1600-, 3200- and 800-meter records, all of which she intends to break this season. She currently holds the 1500 meters, 1600 meters, metric mile, 3000 meters, 2-mile and metric 2-mile indoor records.

Honors and recognitions include Overall All-Area Team multiple times over the past six years and has been a part of three regional championship teams. During the cross-country season, Addison broke the school record for the 5K distance and has been named to the cross-country All-Area Team multiple years. This past season, Addison was named Area 1 Runner of the Year.

Along with her dedication to cross-country and track, Addison was also a vital part of the Lady Marshals soccer program, playing for three years on varsity. She earned a Second Team All-Region selection this past season and was on two regional championship teams.

“Addison has been one of the best and most consistent performers that we have had over the past six years and has exhibited an extraordinary work ethic in all aspects of being a student-athlete”, Head Coach Cory Westerfield said.

Lady Marshals soccer head coach Michael Boone stated that she always leads by example in her attitude and effort and even stepped outside of her comfort zone and became much more verbal in her leadership this past season.

“Addison would often run a cross-country meet, head to a soccer match, and play one of two games”, Westerfield said. “Simply put, she exemplifies what a student-athlete should be. We are excited that Addison will have the opportunity to continue her cross-country and track career at Harding University. Go Marshals and Go Bison!”

Addison was joined at her signing by members of her family, coaches, the girls track and soccer teams, friends and church youth group.