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 4x400 and 4x800 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.