Paige Blackford

Paige Blackford (22) is a native of Des Moines, Iowa. Here she attended Southeast Polk High School and was an avid track and cross country runner. Throughout her time at Southeast Polk she received numerous accolades including the Ram Pride Award, MVP Award, Hardest Worker Award, as well as winning the Drake Relays, winning a cross country state title, setting a new state record, being an 8x letter winner, all conference athlete, and elite all state 4x.

Aside from athletics, Paige was heavily involved in the classroom. Paige was apart of the Student Athlete Leadership Team, DECA, and National Honors Society. At the conclusion of her senior year, she was awarded the prestigious Bill Burch Humanitarian Award. This award is presented by the faculty of Southeast Polk to the student who exemplifies “character, sincerity, and compassion toward others.” Because of this, Paige also was voted as Homecoming Queen by her peers.

After high school, Paige pursued her dreams of becoming a collegiate athlete and attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Here she graduated with her bachelors degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology and a concentration in Forensic Psychology. During her time here, she was a 4x Summit League academic honor roll recipient as well as a 2x Deans List honoree. She also is on the record board as the 5th fastest 800 runner in UNO’s Division I history. She will soon graduate with her masters degree in Criminal Justice and will be employed by the Air Force.