On Wednesday March 7, eight seniors at Highlands High School signed to participate in collegiate athletics at the next level for their college career.
The students are:
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Sarah Jones – Butler University (Swim)
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Brennan Bucher – Arizona State University (Sports Broadcasting)
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Ella Cunningham – College of Charleston (Dance)
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Brady Robinson – Thomas More University (Cross Country/Track)
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Adam Forton – Thomas More University (Baseball)
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Ethan Schweitzer – Heidelberg University (Soccer)
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TJ Hicks – Thomas More University (Wrestling)
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Nate Surrey – Transylvania University (Golf)
These students have a variety of interests and different reasons for choosing their respective schools. Some of the reasons are strictly athletic, whilst others are more focused on where their friends are going.
“I really like the location being in Lexington, I also have a good friend and teammate who chose to go there. I also really liked the coach as well as the facility,” Surrey (12) said.
Another deciding factor in committing is that the students like the feel of a smaller campus compared to a bigger one.
“I chose Heidelberg University because it’s a smaller campus, so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed. Also, the academics there are really good for business. Also, one of my club teammates signed there too, so I would have someone I knew,” Schweitzer (12) said.
Students going on athletic scholarships also want to stay close to home so their family can support them.
“I chose Thomas More because it’s my type of environment, a smaller school, and being able to stay close to home while playing baseball,” Forton said
When students visit a school campus, it is important that the school feels right and feels like home.
“I chose Butler University because it felt like home while being both a taste of athletics and academics,” Jones (12) said.
When it comes to division one schools, it is important to love everything that comes with going to a big school, including the chemistry with the team, the competitions, and the opportunities offered for students.
“I chose the College of Charleston because their D1 athletic program and also because they compete at UDA nationals in both the hip-hop and jazz categories, but more specifically, I just love their team dynamic and the school in general,” Cunningham (12) said.
Students who commit to a college for academics get to dive into their career early and get a feel for what their career path will be like in the real world.
“I chose Arizona State for a few reasons, mainly because of the great opportunities that surround the city of Phoenix when it comes to getting into the sports broadcasting industry. It’s one of the biggest cities in the country, and I’m very happy to dive in and hopefully begin working in broadcast early – something they thrive in,” Bucher (12) said.
All these students will do extraordinary things when they get to college, and they all have amazing opportunities that fit their needs and wants for the future.
