Brunswick track star Zaria Roberts picks Miami

BRUNSWICK — A whirlwind recruiting process for Brunswick girls track standout Zaria Roberts ended with a clear choice.The two-year state qualifier will continue her career at Miami University, joining the RedHawks as a long jumper and 400-meter runner."When I stepped on Miami's campus, I just knew this was the place for me," said Roberts, who is entering her senior season with the Blue Devils."Touring the campus, meeting the team, attending practice and talking with the head coach (Russ Peterson), it just felt like the perfect place for the next step in my academic and athletic career."Roberts finished sixth in the 4x400-meter relay at the 2025 Division I state meet, teaming with Olivia Komperda, Maggie Romano and Kaila Peterson in Columbus.She also qualified in the open 400 and 4x200, one year after placing ninth in the long jump in her state debut at the University of Dayton."I was recruited for my main event, the long jump," said Roberts, who also spent four seasons as a football cheerleader. "But with such a competitive 400 time, there is a chance to contribute in the open 400 and 4×4, as well."I've put in a lot of work this offseason, spent countless hours in the weight room, and training with my indoor track club (Oberlin Spikes) has been a huge addition."Roberts burst onto the radar of NCAA D-I programs with her junior season, which saw her win the Brunswick District title in the 4x400 and place second in the long jump and 400.She followed with runner-up finishes in the 4x200 and 4x400 at the loaded Port Clinton Regional, gaining momentum at each postseason meet.Having a 4.0 grade-point average — and a goal of pursuing a pre-med track in biology — made universities pursue her even harder.Youngstown State, Toledo and Bowling Green were the other finalists to land her student-athlete skills."It was quite an experience," she said. "My family and I were taken out for nice meals, put up in beautiful hotels and were invited guests at a few college football games. It was so much fun."That's also how Roberts believes her swan song with the Blue Devils will play out. The two-time All-Gazette honoree "can't wait to put on the blue and white, and get back out there with the GCC Coach of the Year and my teammates."Matt Sofranko, the reigning Greater Cleveland Conference Coach of the Year in girls track, is just as eager to have her back on the squad as it aims for another league championship — and beyond."The thing that is most clear with Zaria is she's got some big personal and team goals," he said. "She is hyper focused in a way that you don't see a lot. It's extremely exciting."I can't imagine a kid who is hungrier to reach the goals than her, not can I imagine a kid who is working harder to make it happen."Contact Brian Dulik at sports@medina-gazette.com. Follow him @BrianDulik on X.