It felt just like home for Alexis Roberson.
Roberson, a senior at Jefferson City High School, was undecided about where she wanted to attend college. So about a month ago, the track and field standout decided to visit Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill.
"All of my doors were open and I didn't figure it would hurt to go visit," Roberson said. "I went and it was the place. I really liked the campus a lot and the environment.
"It reminded me a lot of J.C. It had a little bit of a feel like a bigger city, but there aren't that many people around. It just reminded of home."
Roberson signed a letter of intent Wednesday afternoon with Southern Illinois, where she plans to throw the shot and discus.
"And whatever else they want to give me, whatever I can handle," Roberson said.
Roberson does a good job handling the shot and discus.
As a junior, Roberson won the first-ever state shot put title in Class 5 last May with a toss of 42-feet, one-inch. Roberson was third in the discus with a throw of 127-feet, five-inches.
During her sophomore season, Roberson was eighth in the Class 4 shot put for the Lady Jays.
The Salukis are coached by Kathleen Raske, a Southern Illinois alum who took over the program in August.
"The coach is amazing and all of the other throwers are amazing," Roberson said. "They made me feel really comfortable and that helped with my decision."
Roberson joined fellow Jefferson City senior Nicole Martin in signing with Southern Illinois on Wednesday at Fleming Fieldhouse. Martin signed to play basketball with the Salukis.
Roberson, who will major in exercise science, said the two plan to be roommates.
"We've been friends for I don't know how long," Roberson said. "That's another bonus of going there.
"Division I is hard enough, but having one of my best friends going along for that journey will be amazing."
Southern Illinois is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.