One of Bermuda’s rising female athletes Arima Turner has committed to further her career at Cornell University next year.

Turner, a final year high school student at Montverde Academy in Florida, took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce that she was headed to Ithaca, New York.

“I’m so excited to announce my commitment to Cornell University,” the 17-year-old said.

“I thank God for giving me this opportunity. With his guidance and strength he has granted me the ability to make this possible.”

Turner, a member of Bermuda’s girls under-17 relay team that won bronze in the 4x100 at the 2023 Carifta Games in Nassau, credited Bermuda Pacers Track Club for shaping her career.

“First I would like to thank @bdapacers my Bermuda club team who nurtured and developed my gift from a young age,” she said.

“Without their constant support, encouragement and belief in my potential. I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today.

“To my Montverde community, I can’t thank you enough for working with me and providing an environment where my athletic ability and academic potential can thrive.

“I’ve had access to coaches and teachers who are not only highly knowledgeable but also so caring. This opportunity was made possible too by @mvaxc_track_field.

“A special thank-you to my sprint coaches who have continuously believed in me no matter the circumstances.”

At Cornell, the Bermudian youngster will be under the guidance of Adrian Durant, a championship-winning NCAA Division I head coach.

Durant represented the United States Virgin Islands at the 2004 Athens Olympics before he served as the country’s athletics coach at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“Thank you to @akdcoach for believing in me and proving the opportunity to take my passion to the next level,” Turner added.

“I am so excited to be part of your team and the Cornell community. Big red @cornelltfxc.

“Last and most important, I would like to thank my family who have continuously believed in me and sacrificed the world to allow me to pursue my dreams. I for ever hope to make you guys proud.”

Meanwhile, Miles Outerbridge, another young Bermudian track athlete at Montverde, is in the process of visiting colleges before he makes his decision.

Last weekend, the 100 and 200 metres runner toured the University of Houston. While he met legendary Olympian Carl Lewis, who has been the Cougars athletics head coach since 2022, the 17-year-old is still exploring his options.

According to the 2026 Scholar Champion Athlete national boys recruit search, the four-star sprinter is ranked 148th with a rating of 82.

“I went on an official visit to the University of Houston last weekend, but I haven’t committed,” Outerbridge said.

“I really enjoyed my time at Houston, the facilities, coaches and campus were beyond my expectations. I met and spoke to head coach Carl Lewis.

“I am on my way to the University of Iowa to see what they have to offer.”

Outerbridge is also a product of Pacers, where his career took off under the guidance coaches Cal Simmons, Freddie Evans, Norbert Simons, Gina Evans, Jerome Edwards, Jay Donawa and Janine Scott.