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17 FWISD Students Officially Commit To Play College Sports
National Signing Day might as well be a holiday for college fans and alums, as their dreams of championships to come are tied to teenage signatures. What’s often lost in the tide of recruiting rankings and the persuasive abilities of college coaches is who the day is really about.
It’s a day for student-athletes. Many young women and men are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives, taking the first steps towards their futures while living out their dreams.
Seventeen student-athletes representing six high schools took part in Fort Worth ISD’s National Signing Day Ceremony on Wednesday, February 5 at Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center.
“This really and truly is a fabulous day,” FWISD Director of Athletics Dr. Lisa Langston said. “These are my kids. They’re like my own children. To see them take their athletic abilities, along with their classroom success, and parlay that to the next level is amazing.
“The thing about sports is what kids get out of it. The intangibles that people can’t see. You’re not going to see it on a checklist. It’s what’s inside a person. It’s what they become. It’s doing something they didn’t think they could. It’s being part of team. All that helps you become successful in whatever career they choose.”
Parents, family and friends helped fill the gym floor for the celebration, along with school administrators and high school coaches. Each student-athlete was honored and signed his or her National Letter of Intent surrounded by loved ones.
Like many of those taking their place at the signing table, Arlington Heights High School softball standout Jalee Rae McDonald reflected on her journey. The All-American and two-time district Most Valuable Player signed with Texas Woman’s University.
“I’ve been playing since I was 4, and basically my parents have pushed me my whole life to get to this point and reach this goal,” Jalee Rae said. “To finally get it over with and accomplish my goal has been great.”
Benbrook, Eastern Hills, Paschal, Southwest and Trimble Tech high schools were also represented. Southwest quarterback C’ing Blanton was one of six student-athletes to earn football scholarships.
“It means a lot,” said C’ing, who signed with Texas Southern University. “All the hard work paid off. I’m excited. It’s not too far away from home. It felt like home when I was there.
“The future is bright. I want to achieve my ultimate dream and play in the NFL. That’s something I can achieve by working at it every day.”
FWISD student-athletes signing letters of intent February 5 were:
Arlington Heights
Emily Andress, softball, University of Texas Permian Basin
Jalee Rae McDonald, softball, Texas Woman's University
Brandon Massey, golf, Texas Christian University
Ismail Nasir, football, Texas Wesleyan University
Benbrook
Emily Fowlkes, volleyball, Western Texas College
Mallory Gossett, volleyball, Central Baptist College
Camryn McGriff, volleyball, Shepherd University
Abigail Bramlett, track and field, Hardin-Simmons University
Eastern Hills
Malik Darden, football, Navarro College
Elyja Harper, football, Cisco College
Paschal
Jackson Whit Dennis, cross country and track, University of Mississippi
Isaac Garcia, football, Texas Southern University
Southwest
Zekiah Price-Taylor, volleyball, Jarvis Christian College
C’ing Blanton, football, Texas Southern University
Adreanna Waddle, basketball, Tarleton State University
Trimble Tech
Bre'auna, basketball, Huston–Tillotson University
Trejian Morgan, football, Lyon College
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