SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Madison Rawson has verbally committed to attend Ole Miss next fall and run for the track and field/cross country program.

“I really like the community at Ole Miss,” said Rawson, who has competed for the St. Francis cross country and track and field programs. “The coaching staff and team are really welcoming. I am excited to be part of the Ole Miss program.”

Rawson, who lives in Roseville, Calif., has been one of the leaders of the St. Francis cross country program each of the last three seasons, helping the program garner three consecutive top-10 state finishes. The Troubadours finished fourth in 2011, second in 2012 and ninth in 2013. She placed 51st individually as a sophomore, 38th as a junior and 21st in a time of 18:05 this season.

“Being part of the Southeastern Conference is a big deal for me, especially after growing up in the South and being surrounded by it,” said Rawson, who lived in Pensacola, Fla., before moving to California. “It will be great to go back.”

As a senior, she was part of the lead pack all season. She finished among the top five in nine races, including a fifth-place finish at the prestigious Mt. Sac Invitational. She also finished 11th at the Stanford Invitational. She earned All-Delta River League honors for the third straight season, crossing second overall at the league meet.

Ole Miss is a member of the Southeastern Conference and is coached by Brian O’Neal. The Rebel cross country program placed ninth at the SEC Cross Country Championships and fifth at the NCAA South Regionals.

Rawson is among a talented St. Francis senior class that boasted 18 student-athletes who officially made college athletic commitments or signed during the NCAA fall signing period.

She can officially sign with Ole Miss on Wednesday, Feb. 5.