This would surprise me, based on what I've seen and read of her so far.
- I don't think that the stress of an Ivy League type school would be "undo" for someone like Cain.
- She doesn't need to make connections to turn pro. She's not some marginal athlete trying to make it into OTC Elite. She'll have people banging down her door.
- As for it being "only an undergrad degree," that's an accurate description of an Oregon degree--something that let's you check a box and apply to grad school. On the other hand, if she gets a real degree from Harvard, she would be poised for a professional (non-athletic) career without going to grad school.
- Going to a top academic school is insurance. We all assume she has an incredible future ahead of her as a runner, but anything can happen. If running doesn't pan out, she'll still be in great shape. If she's not highly competitive on the world stage at age 22, I can't see her wanting to chase the dream for another decade.
The city has a track that Georgetown gets to use. And it's only 320 meters