Many athletes always dream of competing at the collegiate level but only the best of the best being able to achieve their goal. Dedicating the amount of time and energy student athletes do can create a strong connection to their sport and their relationship with it.
M.J. Taylor, a softball player at Kempsville High School who is committing athletically said, “I’ve wanted to play college softball since I started playing and started watching.”
Making it to signing day for these athletes is a sentimental and nostalgic day; families, friends, and coaches all gather to support the students on their special day. Nerves and emotions are risen as students prepare to bring pen to paper.
Zach Wolff, Student Activities Coordinator at Kempsville High School, said the most rewarding part of the day is “seeing the culmination of all of our athletes.”
Seeing each student succeed is what is helping drive Wolff because he is “in charge of this one,” making this year different and special to him.
Students were sentimental on signing day, Katheryn Bailey, a soccer player at Kempsville High School, and Taylor said that what helped them and had the biggest influence on their journey to signing day was their “coaches.”
Taylor also said that the Kempsville coaches and staff supported her most by focusing on her “athletic ability,” she also said the coaches at Kempsville “want to see us succeed.”
Coaches from all sports gathered to watch the 18 students sign to a college of their choice, seeing their student-athletes be able to play at the collegiate level. Many athletes are excited to play collegiately because of their love for the sport, Bailey even saying she committed because she “just love[s] soccer!
Each athlete was allowed to invite their supporters whether it be parents, friends, or family. They also brought some sort of representation of their college and wore a shirt that represented it; flags, photos, posters, and clothing items were brought to represent the college. With excitement in the air, each athlete committed to their college and their future.
After each student was done signing they gathered with their families, friends, loved ones, and coaches and were congratulated on their achievement of being asked to play in college.
Now, as Kempsville seniors move onto the next chapter of their lives, whether it be playing sports or not, the Kempsville community sends them off with love and celebration. Kempsville hopes they will remember and reminisce on their time in Kempsville athletics, their coaches and staff, and their community.
