National Signing Day occurred on November 13, 2024, when high school students across the country signed a binding National Letter of Intent (NLI) to officially commit to playing their sports at a collegiate level. This is a celebratory moment for these student-athletes, during which they reflect on their years of hard work and dedication.
Schools hold a public ceremony, often in the gym or auditorium, that introduces each athlete and shares details about their sport, achievements, and what college they’re committing to.
These student-athletes sign in front of family, coaches, friends, and peers. This event symbolizes their hard work paying off as they solidify their agreement.
A student at San Juan Hills, Izzy Swayers, was accepted into the University of Washington for Division l Girls Soccer. Sawyers plays as a midfielder for Slammers FC ECNL and has been on the San Juan Hills Varsity Soccer team for three years.
“My parents were always supportive and helped me along the way. My club coach was also super helpful in getting me where I am now. I feel that it is important to have a good relationship, especially with your club coach. During the recruiting process, you need one coach that puts you out there and will go out of their way to go on a call with a college coach,” said Sawyers.
This is a significant milestone for these student-athletes, reflecting their high school careers and the beginning of their college journey. The signing day recognizes the perseverance and tenacity that they have put in to get where they are now.
“It is important to have a strong support system with your club. My club teammates are my best friends and have shaped me to become who I am today. We can be super competitive on the field and keep each other accountable, but off the field, we just have fun with each other,” said Sawyers.
These students demonstrate exceptional dedication both on the field and in the classroom, allowing them to obtain the opportunity to play at the next level.
Drew Nelson was accepted to Brown University for baseball, another Division l college. He plays as a right-handed pitcher and a first baseman. Nelson is an excellent student-athlete with a current weighted GPA of 4.7.
“It feels rewarding after the whole recruiting process and it feels good to know that I am just going to play baseball. I think we run practices similar to a college practice and the expectation of being the best you can be has been forced a lot which has helped me get better,” said Nelson.
As these athletes prepare for the next chapter of their careers, they will leave behind their legacy and become an inspiration to young athletes. Students have to balance rigorous practices, other extracurricular activities, and academics in order to succeed on and off the field.
“My favorite high school memory was winning the league last year. It was a rewarding feeling because it was the first time our school had ever done that. As an athlete, I don’t take things for granted anymore because being an athlete is very cutthroat. You can lose your spot or someone can take it at any moment, similar to the real world, which has prepared me for my future,” said Nelson.
These students’ commitment to their college is a celebration of the talent and perseverance they have put in and the bright futures that await them during their journey. This is a remarkable memory that they will cherish for a lifetime.
