This past Wednesday, in Westwood’s Auditorium, two female fall athletes close out the semester on Signing Day, where they officially commited to a college. Family, friends, and admirers of the remarkable student-athletes gathered to celebrate this big step in the students’ athletic careers.
Early Signing Day is an annual event dedicated to Senior student-athletes who are furthering their academics and careers while committing to a college. According to the article sportsrecruits.com, National Signing Day, “On this day, student-athletes committing to NCAA Division I and Division II can sign either a National Letter of Intent (NLI) or an Athletic Aid Agreement, determined by the program they commit to.”
The event usually occurs on the 4th or 6th of December depending on the school. Signing Day is also a way to celebrate the hard work and dedication of student-athletes who have earned scholarships and secured their future in college.
According to ncsasports.org, “Signing that letter not only symbolizes their athletic achievements but also their journey to the next big chapter of life.”
At Westwood’s signing ceremony two athletes, Camryn Jeffery a Senior Volleyball Player, and Emma Ashley Senior Cross Country Gold Medalist committed to their future colleges. Jeffery signed to Lousiana State University (LSU), a D1 athletic program. Ashley signed with the University of South Carolina (USC), a D1 athletic program.
There were a few speakers at the gathering including Athletic Director Coach Garret Knight and Principal Tameka Nicholson.
Principal Nicholson states, “What I wanted to share is that our students are great leaders and have worked so hard to make it to this point…I am super proud of you [and] Westwood will always be home to you and that you’re always welcome.”
At the age of 8, Camryn began playing volleyball and has progressed steadily ever since. She has always been a leader and role model, playing on Westwood’s Varsity Volleyball Team since her freshman year. On this Signing Day Camryn signed to LSU which she verbally committed to in her Junior year.
Jeffery speaks about how this day impacted her life stating, “It feels great to officially sign with LSU, knowing that I have completed one of my goals which is to be able to play collegiate volleyball.”
Jeffery adds, “Without Westwood, I wouldn’t be the player I am today, playing here allowed me to become more of a leader. It [Westwood] also made me always help others [including] teammates around me.”
Another recent accomplishment of Jeffrey’s was reaching the milestone of 1,000 kills. A kill in the sport of Volleyball is any time an attack attempt is unreturnable or uncontrolled by the opponent leading to a point given to the team. This was a monumental goal of Jeffrey’s along with making it to signing day.
Jeffrey speaks on her thoughts on this accomplishment “Reaching my 1,000th kill milestone really stood out to me because of all of the support from my teammates and coaches.”
Family, friends/teammates, and coaches gathered to celebrate her accomplishments in the auditorium including her High School Coach Ciji Van Tyne.
Van Tyne expressed her feelings on this day when she stated, “It’s important; it’s something to showcase all their hard work, and it’s something that they are all very proud of.”
Van Tyne also speaks about advice she’s given to her athletes, “We try to make sure they know college sports are a lot different than in High School and that they may have practices at many different times.”
Signing day symbolizes a well-deserved and earned milestone for any athlete including Senior Redhawks Camyrn Jeffery and Emma Ashley. It not only marked the climax of years of hard work but also signifies the exciting new chapter ahead as they transition from the sports at the Castle to Division I college sports.
