Addison Babcock (‘24) will further her academic and athletic career at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). On top of getting accepted into their rigorous nursing program, she additionally signed to UCCS’s top tier Division II NCAA track and field program.

After going to UCCS to visit the track program, Babcock accompanied the head jumping coach and assistant track coach to lunch, which led to her verbal commitment. She instantly fell in love the second she walked into the UCCS track field house. Later on, Addison was accepted generally to UCCS and subsequently admitted into the nursing program. She is now officially signed to the track and field team.

UCCS has been Babcock’s number one school since she was a freshman. Their nursing program is top rated, they have an excellent track and field program, and nothing can beat the view of Pikes Peak from every window. Addison took the risk of having no back up schools, but with valid reason. Addison is chronically ill, and the other schools she was looking at, one being GCU, have a Division one track program. Even though going DI is the goal for most high school athletes, Addison had to step back and evaluate what her body could withstand.

UCCS has an incredible record and award winning track program, and the DII title allows for flexibility that DI can not offer. Addison is just ecstatic about having the opportunity to be a collegiate athlete.

Babcock has had an unusual high school experience between COVID happening her freshman year, enduring life as a chronically ill teenager, and standing up for herself. Regardless, she persevered and got into her number one college before even being halfway through her senior year.

“It was such a weight lifted off my shoulders because I always knew I could go somewhere, but to have that established is insane,” said Babcock.

Babcock spent her time at Mead well. Some of her favorite classes from throughout the years are American Sign Language through FRCC and the CETC medical classes. Her current favorite is Western Civilization through FRCC.

We wish the best for Addison on her future endeavors and cannot wait to witness her succeed.