With the school year starting to come to an end, seniors have started to finalize their plans after graduation. For many student athletes, going to college for their sport is a lifelong dream, and for 14 seniors, this dream just became true.
During the early morning on April 17, the commiting seniors came together to announce their commitment to various schools. They were joined by family, friends, and coaches.
“Today is the opportunity to celebrate the students who have done what is needed to perform athletically and academically,” athletic director Cary Eldredge said at the signing day ceremony.
Even though the athletes are doing various sports, all of the student-athletes who signed at the event are staying close to home, choosing schools in either Missouri or Illinois.
Committing to a sport for college is a big decision as these students will have to try to balance academics and athletics.
“I’m just going to put myself out there and try to encourage people,” senior Dalton Rice said.
These students aren’t only going to college for their sports, they are also going to continue their future path to their careers.
“In four years I see myself graduating with a business degree,” senior Aiden King said.
Senior Madelynn Kuhn worked as a three season athlete (tennis, wrestling, and soccer) to stay in shape throughout the year. She decided to commit for soccer.
James Ormsby is the first male to commit to volleyball from Liberty. Although it was more of a challenge to achieve this as this is the first year of having a boys volleyball team. He met coaches from Westminster at a camp he went to for volleyball.
These athletes have worked hard all of highschool to achieve this dream.
“These athletes have taken advantage of the opportunities given to them,” Eldredge said. Commiting to a sport is a very difficult decision for someone to make, as they will put in many more hours of training and practice, as well as playing in games, on top of their various academics.
Liberty wishes these students luck on the adventure ahead of them.
Kylee Velcheck - Westminster - Volleyball
James Ormsby - Westminster - Volleyball
Alex Jung - Central Methodist - Baseball
Lincoln Ralls - Mineral Area - Baseball
Connor Place - Missouri S&T - Track & Field
Dominic Holderfield - Maryville - Track & Field
Evan Hargrove - Central Methodist - Basketball
Aiden King - Westminster - Basketball
Turner Lively - Columbia College - Soccer
Brady Freeman - Columbia College - Soccer
Canon Mathison - Quincy - Soccer
Madelynn Kuhn - Lewis & Clark Community College - Soccer
Noah Kuehner - MO Valley - Football
Dalton Rice - Maryville - Swim
