Where Are They Now? Joya Canfield

The following is the latest installment in an occasional series about the progress of standout local student-athletes who have gone on to succeed at the next level in their college careers.

BERLIN- Nearing the end of her college career as a standout track athlete at High Point University, former Decatur student-athlete Joya Canfield, who set 13 high school records for the Seahawks, is a steady contributor for her NCAA Division I team.

Canfield, an All-State athlete in cross-country and track at Decatur, continued to pile up the accolades at High Point throughout her first three seasons at the North Carolina school and is already making a splash early in her senior season. She finished third in the 800-meter at the East Tennessee State University Noswinger Invitational two weeks ago and finished third in the 800 and seventh in the 1,000 at the Virginia Tech Invitation a week later.

As a junior last year, Canfield had four top-five finishes including a fourth in the 800 in the Big South Conference championships. She was also part of school record relay teams in the 4×400 and 4×800 in 2009.

Canfield was one of the most decorated student-athletes ever at Decatur, winning four Bayside championships and setting 13 school records that still stand. She was also named All-State at Decatur and led the Seahawks’ cross-country teams to three undefeated seasons and two Bayside championships. He accomplishments off the track were equally impressive. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Government Association and was named Homecoming Queen as a senior.