South Forsyth runner Savannah Carnahan finished 13th in Class AAAAAA at the GHSA State Cross Country Meet as a freshman four years ago, 1 minute 43 seconds and 12 places behind state champion Allie Buchalski of Johns Creek. Buchalski was committed to Furman University at the time, which instantly became noteworthy to an impressionable freshman like Carnahan.

“I have kind of had them in the back of my mind,” Carnahan said.

So it felt perfect to Carnahan when she verbally committed to Furman this past Wednesday, choosing the Division I program that competes in the Southern Conference. Carnahan plans to officially sign a National Letter of Intent in the November signing period.

“It was the right place for me, definitely,” Carnahan said. “Without question, it felt perfect.”

In Carnahan, the Lady Paladins would get one of the more accomplished runners in Forsyth County history. Carnahan is a two-time Forsyth County Girls Runner of the Year, has two top 5 individual finishes at the state meet and helped the Lady War Eagles finish second in Class AAAAAA at the state meet last season.

It wasn’t until last winter that Furman contacted Carnahan. The Paladins’ coaching staff turned up the recruitment of Carnahan during the spring track and field season, and after two visits Carnahan felt comfortable in making a verbal commitment. She liked the coaches, the team and school’s top chemistry program.

She’ll even get to be teammates with Buchalski, who will be a senior next season.

“I don’t think there could be a school that fits me so well as Furman could,” Carnahan said. “Honestly, it’s a weight off my shoulders. I’m really excited to go there and really excited to enjoy my senior year.”