High school sports are a big deal. They are especially important when it comes to being a senior playing high school sports. Here at Liberty, 12 seniors have been chosen by a select college to play a sport for them. Family, friends, and coaches gathered in the gym before school on National Signing Day, Nov. 8 to see their senior sign with their select college.
Athletic director Mr. Eldredge led the event and welcomed all students and parents.
“Today is an opportunity to celebrate these student athletes who have done whatever was needed to continue on athletically and academically at the collegiate level,” Eldredge said.
On National Signing Day, senior student athletes sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) committing to their college of choice. Senior athletes wait for this moment all of their athletic careers as it shows that their difficult work has finally paid off. Commitment signing here at Liberty is more informational as each athlete is asked a question by Mr. Eldredge.
Ty Holman is committing to Saint Louis University to play baseball and was asked why the university was a good choice for him. “The college just really stuck out to me. I felt a really strong connection with the coaches there.”
Brayden Schnurbusch will be continuing to play baseball at John A Logan College and was asked where the college was and what he likes about it. “John A Logan College is in Carbondale, Illinois. It was one of the first visits I did, and I just fell in love with the coaches and the facilities.”
Carson Nolan is committing to the University of Indianapolis to play soccer, he was asked to give a little insight about the program there. “They have a great nationally ranked soccer program, which is one reason I wanted to join. I love the campus and I feel like I’m gonna do great over there.”
Gavin Netzel is committing to play soccer at the University of North Carolina, he was asked about how the college found him. “I actually played a few showcase tournaments up there, and they reached out to me via text. We ended up on a Zoom call to talk and everything just worked out perfectly.”
Layton Dahl is also committing to play soccer at Columbia College and was asked what he is hoping to bring to the college. “I hope to bring the best I can as an athlete and in my academics as well.”
Mia Knobbe is committing to Kansas State University to play soccer, she was asked what was the most exciting part about the university. “It was just a dream of mine to play in a top 5 school, so it was just really exciting being able to make it to that level, also being able to play with one of my former teammates is amazing.”
Sydney Strassemeier is committing to Western Kentucky to continue playing soccer as a goalie. She was asked why the university was such an easy decision for her. “The university was very homey, I loved the campus. The coaches and the team there already were so welcoming and it was really just a no-brainer.”
Zoey Arnold will be continuing to play softball at Mineral Area College and was asked what her plan was for the next four or five years. “I plan on going to Mineral Area for two years and overall get better, faster, stronger, and then transfer to play at a higher level.”
Brianna Rowland is also committing to play softball at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. She was asked what she plans to major in. “I plan on majoring in physical therapy, my goal is to just have fun and enjoy playing softball.”
Alex Meyer is commiting to Missouri Baptist University to play tennis and was asked why the choice seemed so easy for him. “I would say because it is local. I’ve always wanted to stay in-state and I just had a really good bond with the coach as well.”
Leilani Green will be attending Columbia College to continue with track and field, she was asked what events she does now and if they will be the same in college. “I run the 400m and the 200m. I do think it will be the same except that I will be better for sure.”
Abby Harder will be attending Southwest Baptist University to play volleyball. She was asked to give some information about the university and what she hopes to get out of it. “Southwest Baptist is a small private university, 30 minutes away from Springfield. I hope to grow as an individual and a player. I hope to form strong bonds with the teammates and coaches.”
