Briar Woods High School senior Shaquera Leach recently made a verbal commitment to accept an athletic scholarship to run track and field at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, beginning in the fall of 2012.

Leach, an All-State sprinter each of her first three varsity seasons, noted that she began garnering national attention after earning All-American status in the 400-meter run at the AAU Junior Olympics in August.

“After getting a lot of attention from many NCAA coaches, this important decision has not been easy,” Leach stated. “After visiting several schools, though, I am confident that Virginia Tech will provide me with the best athletic and academic opportunities as I look to the future.”

Leach helped the Falcons’ girls team win their first Dulles District track title in 2011. She is also a member of the Loudoun based Virginia Special Forces Track club.