Since age 7, Jayla Jamison has dreamed of running track and field for her hometown college the University of South Carolina.

The feeling was apparently mutual for Gamecocks’ head coach Curtis Frye as he watched her become in Airport High School athletic director Kirk Burnett’s words “the most decorated athlete” in school history.

During her career, Jamison claimed 8 state titles in 4 events, twice earned SC Coaches Association of Women’s Sports Track Athlete of the Year honors and earned All-American honors at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals.

She was also a 2-time All-Region selection in basketball, an All-State selection in basketball this past season and was chosen to participate in the North-South All-Star Classic at Brookland-Cayce High School.

Through the success, her bond with the South Carolina coaching staff got stronger.

On March 31, Jamison made it official when she signed a national letter of intent with South Carolina and plans to major in business.

“Ever since I was younger, I wanted to go there,” Jamison said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was young.”

Jamison was so anxious to enroll in college, she worked to complete her graduation requirements a year early. Along with the close proximity, Jamison cited her strong comfort level with Frye.

“When I had Zoom meetings and I talked to them, get to know them a little bit,” she said. “They like doing what I like to do. Coach Frye likes to go shopping. I feel like we can have a close bond.”

Jamison was especially close to late track coach Bennie Lee Isaac. The former Dreher High School head coach who mentored numerous local athletes over the years passed away in February.

She plans to dedicate her final spring season to his memory.

“He always motivated me to do my best in everything and him not there is more so that I’m doing this for him and also myself,” Jamison said.