The class of ‘24 is nearing the end of their high school career, and deciding where their lives will go in the following years. For these specific seniors, they have chosen to continue their athletic careers into college. The determination and persistence of these seniors is easy to go unrecognized, but it is important to know all that goes into the commitment process.
On Wednesday, Feb. 7, OH athletics held another signing day event, where 16 seniors celebrated their commitments.
Drake Dunnett, OH baseball player committed to play at Waubonsee Community College, recalls the moment he knew he wanted to play in college.
“When I was 14 I realized that it was a sport I truly loved, and I wanted to play for as long as I could. It made me compete and want to be the best I can be,” said Dunnett.
Gillian Young, a senior soccer player committed to the University of South Carolina Aiken, has always wanted to play in college.
“Growing up, my brother and sister both went to college and played soccer at the next level, so it’s always been something that I dreamed of doing myself,” Young said.
For the majority of student-athletes, deciding to continue their sport in college is a big step, and makes a big impact on their future. Nick Tickle, OH baseball player committed to the College of Dupage, went through a goal-setting process to get him ready to play at the college level.
“I set goals athletically and academically of things like good grades and getting into the weight room and always improving. I also set number goals with 90 mph by senior year and stuff in the weight room,” Tickle said.
Senior Ava Brown, OH varsity cheerleader committed to Maryville University, shared her experience reaching out to coaches.
“I emailed coaches from all of the schools I was interested in with my highlights and academic history, visited every school whether it was an official visit or an unofficial visit, went to recruitment clinics and combines, and met with most coaches,” Brown said.
Hayden Bowman, OH baseball player committed to the University of Wisconsin Parkside, went through a similar process when finding a school not just based on his athletic career, but his academics as well.
“The process is all about finding the right fit. That means a lot of things though. It was finding a school that fits academically, supporting the career you want to pursue after baseball. But also finding the right level of baseball for you,” Bowman said. “Division 2 me was a good fit for me because it is the right level of commitment to the sport versus academics.”
Elijah Seaton, OH football player committed to Quincy University, describes how he knew the school was right for him.
“It is a certain feeling you get when you’re on the campus and it just feels like a home to you,” Seaton said.
Being a student-athlete takes commitment and dedication, especially throughout all four years of high school. Congratulations to our next 16 seniors who will be continuing their academic and athletic careers in the upcoming fall.
My name is Jaylene Tinajero Garcia, and this is my second year being a part of 42fifty. I am a senior in high school. I am on the varsity cheer team. I love taking photos and videos of nature in my free time. I am really excited to start my career as a journalist.
My name is Miranda Cook, and this is my second year being a part of 42Fifty! I am a senior at OHS, and I am on the varsity cheer team. I enjoy taking photos and hanging out with my friends in my free time, and I cannot wait to continue my career in journalism!
Obsessed with this article