Some of DODEA-Europe’s top competitors will be doing so in college in the fall

Ramstein’s Caroline Swinson crosses the finish line in third place during the girls race at a cross country meet on Sept. 27, 2025, in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Ramstein’s Caroline Swinson originally doubted she was built for the Virginia Military Institute.

The obligations in Lexington, Va., seemed overwhelming. Not only would she face a full academic workload, but she also would have to balance it with cadet life.

Yet on VMI’s home page sits the phrase “don’t do ordinary.” And that fits right in with what she seeks from her college life.

VMI offered her something other programs couldn’t – NCAA Division I competition. Swinson will be a Keydet for the cross country and track and field teams.

“The more I thought about it, it’s worth it. I want to get something out of college,” Swinson said. “I feel like it’s going to be a very rewarding experience.”

Swinson is one of at least 27 current DODEA-Europe athletes who will compete in college sports starting this fall. Those student-athletes will range everywhere from Division I to junior college and from the Colorado Rocky Mountains to the Tyneside of northeastern England.

Swinson’s track times caught the Keydet coaching staff’s eyes.

Having won the 1,600 meter crown in 2025, Swinson beat the previous DODEA-Europe high mark in the same event with a time of 5 minutes 7.26 seconds during the 2026 DODEA European track and field championships.

Yet she finished third behind SHAPE’s Cassandra Jarzabek and Wiesbaden’s Linden Pickler.

Her time would be the fifth-fastest mile run in VMI’s indoor track history. College track runs the 1,500 during the outdoor season, not the 1,600.

That performance came after the Keydets offered her a position on their programs.

She also produced a pair of Top 15 finishes in cross country, including third at last fall’s Euros.

Because of her vast experience as a long-distance runner, Swinson expressed her belief she will be able to handle what VMI has in store for her.

“Everyone says running is a mental game,” Swinson said. “I have just so much grit I wouldn’t have if I didn’t run. I feel like I’ve grown so much through sports, and I can use those talents and take to college.”

As for what she hopes to get out of her time as a Keydet, she will major in business and economics, and she has plans to enter the Air Force upon graduation.

But she said her main measure of success after four years will be to see resiliency and growth from when she first stepped on campus.

“If I can look at myself physically and mentally and see that I’ve had hard times and see that I’ve gotten stronger, I’ve gotten faster, I’ve gotten bigger, just to know something coming out of it,” Swinson said.

Another Royal also could see some Division I action at the next level, although he has a bit of work to do.

Javier Harrington, the three-time DODEA-Europe discus champion, had a choice between a football offer at Sacred Heart University, a D-I program, and a preferred walk-on for track and field at Colorado State.

Harrington chose to fight for a spot on the Rams squad, learning to throw the hammer and javelin.

He described how track felt like the better decision over football. Combined with the proximity to the Rocky Mountains for snowboarding and to his sister who lives near Buckley Space Force Base, it was the right call, Harrington said.

“I have a great support team with me (at Ramstein), and I know I’m going to be in even better hands when I arrive there in the preseason,” Harrington said. “As long as I keep my priorities straight like I’ve been doing, I’m sure I’m going to succeed.”

Ramstein's Javier Harrington competes in the discus throw during the 2026 Department of Defense Education Activity Europe track and field championships in Kaiserslautern, Germany, on May 21, 2026. Harrington took first in the discus throw at the championships, throwing 150 feet and 1 inch. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)

Here is a list of other DODEA-Europe athletes signed onto playing collegiate sports starting this fall:

NCAA Division I

NCAA Division II

NCAA Division III

NAIA

Other