McKinney North senior Stephanie Ganter's decision to become a full-time runner is paying off as she prepares to make her state track and field debut in the Class 4A 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

Ganter, who had played soccer from age 5 until last fall, realized that her best chance for a Division I scholarship was going to come from distance running.

"It was a real growing-up moment for me," said Ganter, who has signed with Stephen F. Austin. "I was on overload. I had to choose one, and I think I made the right choice."

Ganter is competing in her first full track season. Previously, she joined track after soccer season ended. As a result, she didn't have enough time to reach her peak running form.

This year, Ganter enters state with the second-best qualifying time in the 3,200 (10:55.87) and third best in the 1,600 (5:08.75).

Ganter has competed in the state cross country meet four times and finished third last fall.

As a sophomore, she was a starting forward for McKinney North's state championship soccer team.

David Hinojosa