For most athletes, high school is the time that they look to make their dream of becoming a college athlete come true. For 12 Fossil Ridge athletes, that dream came true on Wednesday, February 1 as they signed their national letter of intent.

First to sign their contract was swimmer, Bailey Kovac. She will be attending Indiana University after finishing her legacy at Fossil Ridge. Kovac as also made an appearance at the Olympic Trials for the 2016 Olympics. “I never thought that I would make it as far as signing to swim in college, my intentions were to just have fun.” However, her success in the pool intrigued the coaches at Indiana and gave her an opportunity to continue swimming.

Brynn Montgomery was next to sign to University of Northern Carolina, Wilmington to play volleyball. Her dream of “playing volleyball for UNC Wilmington became a reality.” Her height, speed, and talent lead her to receive an offer from the college she will be going to.

Grace Philop, daughter of the softball coach for Fossil Ridge signed to Fort Hays State University to play second base. Her father spoke on her behalf, “it makes me happy to see all of these athletes accomplish their dreams but it’s different when it’s your daughter.” Philop has played for her father since she first picked up a glove. She worked with him for many years to get to where she is today. “I have always wanted to play collegiate softball and signing to play at Fort Hays State, made my dream that I’ve had as a little girl come true.”

Meaghan Jamison, the power pitcher for Fossil Ridge will be joining her teammate, Grace Philop at Fort Hays State University. According to the softball coach for Fossil Ridge, “Meaghan has come a long way since I first met her. She was 10 when I first saw her play and she couldn’t throw or catch a ball. She ended up making the team because I knew her parents could play.” Jamison has played her entire softball career with Philop and when they found out they would be continuing into college, she was ecstatic. She promised that we will hear of the two key players on the softball team again at Fort Hays.

Jared Brannen will be running track at Davidson College next year. For him signing to compete as a hurdler in college was a huge relief. “I don’t have to worry about college stuff anymore, I can just focus on finishing my senior year strong.” For a lot of athletes, committing to play the sport they love in college takes a huge weight off their shoulders and Brannen is one of those athletes.

Bella Alessi has caught the eyes of college coaches since she was playing soccer at the age of 12. The head assistant coach, Don Trantham, at Missouri University was the first coach to recruit Alessi and six years later she signed to play for him in college. “I’m looking forward to being a college athlete because of the many perks of playing the sport you love in college.” She will be living her dream next year, playing soccer for Missouri University.

Cole Crosett is one of those soccer players that always puts forth his greatest effort. One of his club coaches, Tony Mortenson spoke on his behalf, “I could always count on Cole, he outshined everyone on the field with his effort.” Crosett’s hard work was seen and admired by the coaches at the University of New Hampshire. He made his commitment official by signing his contract on Wednesday.

Dominic Gibson signed to Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) in Shawnee, Oklahoma to play soccer. Gibson did not play for the high school team his senior year due to an injury but his college coaches didn’t let that stop them from recruiting him. His passion and leadership won over the coaches at their ID camp that they held in the summer of 2016. The head coach, Anthony Yousey, at OBU stated, “Dom creates a great atmosphere on and off the field, he brings a culture and atmosphere that just unites the team. As a coach, you certainly know that you can never have too many of those.”

Cassidy Hoyt defines perseverance. She is a soccer athlete that has overcome so many injuries over her years playing. Dave Shaffer, her club coach says that “Cassidy’s love for the game is there, her perseverance is their, her drive is there, and she is a fabulous athlete.” Through it all Hoyt officially signed to Lake Forrest College, 30 minutes outside Chicago, Illinois.

Shannon Pelichowski was the third female soccer player to sign to a college. She will be going to Humboldt State University. She has a very competitive edge to her and she loves to win. Shaffer also spoke on Pelichowski’s behalf and stated that “one of the biggest struggles I had coaching Shannon was getting her the recognition she deserved.” It was difficult for her to find a college that had a coach that was interested in her, she had to put extra work in to be noticed. It wasn’t until she attended their ID camp earlier this year that she finally had a spotlight on her. After that camp, she decided to commit and play there next year.

Fossil Ridge’s number one quarterback, Griffin Roberts signed his contract to Hastings College in Nebraska to play football. Head coach, Zak Bigelow told the audience on Wednesday how much he admired Roberts’ hard work in the off season. “Accomplishments like playing the sport you love is earned in those little things that you do, that other people don’t. I’m so proud of Griffin because he is one of those athletes and he deserves to have that be recognized.” Football is the center of Roberts’ world, he loves every bit of it and he got to be a part of great achievement his senior year. His favorite football memory was “winning the city championship in my senior season (this year) with the boys I have been playing with for 7-8 years now.” He is looking forward to making many more memories like this one.

Mckenna Schultz was the final 2017 signee of the night. She will be playing soccer at Iowa State University in the small town of Ames, Iowa. Schultz chose Iowa State because she thought “it is a perfect place for me to grow as a person as well as a soccer player.” Rob Weappa, one of her previous club coaches was lucky enough to watch her grow from a little u11 player to a senior high school soccer player. “I got Kenna their first year playing competitive soccer. The first practice as a team, a little blonde girl came up to me and said ‘hi coach, I’m Mckenna.’ Over the next three years coaching her, I watched her become a great athlete. I can’t put into words how proud of her I am. My little blonde soccer player is all grown up.” His speech was so moving that it left the audience in tears.

It is an emotional time, signing to play a sport in college. An abundance of feelings floats in the air; pride, excitement, relief, nervous, etc. Everyone is proud of these Sabercats for making their dreams come true. Good luck to all athletes as they take on a different level of their sport and take college head on.