One of the highest-profile recruits in the nation, long-distance running phenom Sarah Baxter, has verbally committed to run cross country and track at the University of Oregon.

Baxter, a senior at Simi Valley High School, has traveled to Oregon for numerous championship races during high school and attended the Nike Elite Camp this past summer.

On Monday she announced her decision to come to Eugene next fall, telling the Los Angeles Daily News, “It’s just a feeling I got. I could see myself going there for the next four years. Just being around the team, you could tell they could all relate to each other. It’s a great school to go to and a great team dynamic. It’s a lot like what I’ve had here at Simi Valley.”

Baxter enters this Saturday potentially competing in her final high school cross country race. She will seek to put the finishing touches on her undefeated high school cross country career with her fourth CIF Southern Section Division II championship. Her accolades include two Nike Cross Nationals championships and the 2012 Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year award. She is currently the top ranked senior on Saucony’s Elite 50 list.

Follow  Chris Mosch on Twitter @chris_mosch