Taking It to the Next Level

Student athletes commit to universities on National Signing Day

Vanessa+Bart+beams+with+happiness+after+signing+her+official+commitment+to+UT+Tyler+to+play+girls+soccer.

Chelsea Palumbo

Vanessa Bart takes a moment for photos on signing day. She officially commitmented to UT Tyler to play soccer.

Oak Soccer, Baseball, Swim and Volleyball students signed with their desired college or university in an official ceremony orchestrated by the KOHS Athletic Department yesterday. Fifteen students signed to schools in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Idaho and Oregon.

“Signing day is my sign-off and commitment before I go to college,” senior Taylor Pounds said. “Oak helps to make this event so special and creates a sense of accomplishment and appreciation.”

Every year the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sets a date, which was Nov. 13 this year, as the earliest time high school seniors can sign their letters of commitment with their future school.

“Signing in front of my teammates, friends and families is nice because they have been with you the whole journey,” senior Collin Fuchs said. “Its nice to make it official and celebrate with them.”

Fuchs signed with Texas A&M as a swimmer, specializing in freestyle and backstroke.

“I signed with A&M because of the team atmosphere and it was close to home so I’m able to visit my family,” Fuchs said.

Yesterday’s signees include:
Eryn Sanchez – Louisiana State University, Softball                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bailey Eggleston – University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Softball
Kamrynn Burks – Midwestern State University, Softball
Isobel Herrod – Oregon State University, Soccer
William Brown – Howard College, Baseball
Tucker McEnroe – Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Baseball
Hunter Smith – University of New Mexico, Baseball
Mya Smith – University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Soccer
Vanessa Bart – University of Texas-Tyler, Soccer
Taylor Pounds – Texas A&M, Soccer
Ariel Young – University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Track & Field
Collin Fuchs – Texas A&M, Swimming
David Oderinde – Texas A&M, Swimming
Emily Mack – Idaho, Diving
Ivana Cecchetti – University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Track & Field

Emily Smith
Chelsea Palumbo