For many student athletes, the day of committing to play a sport at the collegiate level is extremely exciting. Something they have worked passionately towards for many of their adolescent years finally comes into action, it becomes real. On Nov. 15 after school, South hosted a signing day event in order to showcase the athletes who are taking their talents to the next level. On this day, each student who is committed signed final documents signifying their dedication to their chosen school.

Choosing a college can be daunting for any high school student; however choosing a college means more than academics for these student athletes. This decision will be their primary atmosphere for the next four years. Stanford University rowing commit Carly Brown ’24 revealed that going on her official visit really changed her perspective on the school because she knew that the team atmosphere would assist her in overcoming the challenging academic demand.

“I chose Stanford because the girls showed me immense kindness from the beginning,” Brown said. The coaches really emphasized that commitment is key and were very helpful in the recruiting process”

Many of these students are enthusiastic about taking what they have learned from South Athletics into their new college teams. Clarion University softball commit Avery Bellish ’24 explained that she has learned how to grow off the field with her teammates to benefit the on field play by overcoming obstacles on South Softball and travel teams.

“I have learned that there truly is no ‘I’ in team from playing at South, and that mindset will allow me to thrive in college athletics with my teammates,” Bellish said.

Both Brown and Bellish described the difference in verbally committing versus signing the official documentation as exciting yet anxious for the new experiences to come with each swipe of their pen.

“Once I signed that paper, I realized that the real work had just begun,” Bellish said. “I am excited to see where this new chapter takes me.”