MICHAEL PISTELLA Surrounded by family members, Mariner High senior Courtney Anderson signs a letter-of-intent to run track and attend at the University of South Florida. From left to right are: Tracy Redy (mother), Teagan Redy (sister), Kristopher Redy (stepfather), Kyle Anderson (brother), Bob Anderson (father), Tyler Anderson (brother), and Laura Anderson (stepmother).

Mariner senior Courtney Anderson has become one of the school’s most decorated athletes.

In addition to reaching the state finals in the high jump each of the past three years, the 5-foot-7 Anderson claimed numerous district and regional titles along the way, and set a new school record of 5 feet, 7 inches at last year’s district meet.

Her goal for her upcoming senior year is to take another shot at a state championship on the heels of placing third, fourth and second previously.

“I’m just looking to learn a lot more and jump a lot higher,” she said.

Regardless, Anderson is set to continue her track and field career at the next level. She signed a national letter-of-intent with the University of South Florida Friday in the Mariner cafeteria.

Originally from Ohio, Anderson had some thoughts about returning to the Buckeye State and attending Ohio State, but opted to stay close to home and continue her athletic career.

She’s leaning toward accounting as a major, but is still uncertain.

“I get to stay close to home and it’s a nice school, a big school,” Anderson said of her decision.

Anderson first competed in the high jump in seventh grade back in Ohio. She performed well, but took a year off before returning to the event as a freshman at Mariner.

She credits working out and doing plyometric training with helping to improve her jumping ability, along with a better understanding of the technique.

Anderson, who played volleyball for the Tritons, also competes in other track and field events, including the triple jump.