On signing day, all the memories spilled out, especially ones showing how far the little sister has come.
"I remember when she first started, she would say she was scared and was more comfortable when I practiced with her," Shanette said.
And now?
"She has made me so proud."
Actually, there is a line of proud family and friends and it begins with her mom, Zonya Cross-McNeil, a 1984 Edgewood grad.
Cross-McNeil is a former state champion in the 100 hurdles who owns school records in that event and in the 55 hurdles.
"I hope my daughter breaks both of my records," she said.
It could happen.
Last spring, in the Meet of Champions, Ste'yce McNeil won the 100-meter hurdles in 14.23 seconds and was fourth in the 200 meters.
In the recent South Jersey indoor track championships, she helped lead Winslow Township to a sectional title by winning three individual events (55 meters, 55 hurdles, 400 meters) and being part of the winning 4x400 relay.
This performance came shortly after McNeil made her commitment to Mississippi State, choosing the Southeastern Conference school over Nebraska.
"I just felt so comfortable at Mississippi State, with the coach, the school, and this is a place where runners have developed past college," she said.
Like many high school athletes, Ste'yce McNeil has big dreams, but she also appears to be on the right track, so to speak, to compete beyond college.
"It's always been a dream for the Olympics," she said.
And she credits her coaches along the way, but in this situation, it all starts with family. Sure, McNeil says she would like to break her mom's school records, but not for family bragging rights.
"I think it would honor her to be able to do that," she said.
And it would honor the rest of the family, including one of her newest fans, 2-year-old niece Mala'e, Shanette's daughter.
Ste'yce McNeil admits to spoiling her niece, who was wearing Mississippi State gear on this eventful day. It's easy to see how that happens.
While it might be difficult to project, it appears her niece could be the latest in the family to make her name in track.
"She's always running around at home, and it's hard to keep up with her," Shanette said.
If Mala'e decides to pursue the sport, one thing is for sure: There will be plenty of family support.
It is what helped get Ste'yce McNeil to this momentous day.
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at mnarducci@phillynews.com, 856-779-3225 or @sjnard on Twitter. Find his Rally columns at www.philly.com/narducci
