Matson and Piers Make College Commitments

Derek Veilleux


Sofie Matson (L) and Karley Piers (R) of Falmouth signed their National Letter of Intents on Friday. 

Maine College Commitments 2020

The top-ranked cross-country runners in the state of Maine signed their National Letter of Intents on Friday at Falmouth High School. Three-time Class A state champion Sofie Matson signed with Columbia University while 2019 Class A runner-up Karley Piers signed with Florida Gulf Coast.

Matson cited the philosophy of Columbia University head coach Daniel Ireland and being in the city for the reasons Columbia stood out above the other schools. Sofie said she plans to focus on history and writing academically with the goal to become a writer in the future.

Sofie will step into a program that finished 27th in the NCAA Cross-Country Championship in 2019, 


Both girls were quick to credit each other for helping them get to the level they achieved in high school.

Piers said the recruiting process was difficult without in-person visits but that the virtual tour for Florida Gulf Coast stood out. 

"It was a no-brainer for me academically and athletically". Piers told MileSplit on choosing Florida Gulf Coast.

Karley is looking forward to training in the warm weather, she said she enjoys running in the heat and doesn't like the cold.

FGCU Head Coach Cassandra Goodson had this to say about Karley in a press release on the University's team page

"We are very excited for Karley to be a part of our team!" stated Goodson.  "With her current best times she will make an immediate impact. However, it was the intangibles that really set her apart during the recruiting process. Her positive attitude, healthy competitive nature, and enthusiasm all during a challenging time for us all, that's what impressed us."



Watch the NLI ceremony