Signing day is a huge accomplishment, because it is where student-athletes officially commit to playing their sport at the collegiate level. These students are surrounded by their biggest supporters, like their family, coaches, and teammates, that helped get them to where they are today. Athletes sign their National Letters of Intent to further their academic and athletic careers. These countless years of dedication and grit have helped them prosper in their sports and get them to the highest level. This day will help these student-athletes put into perspective how much their hard work has paid off.
“Small habits equal big results, as long as you keep doing the simple and easy things, eventually you’ll be able to play at the next level,” Drury golf commit Blake Laramie said.
Sports can bring a lot of stress into people’s lives, whether its injuries, picking the right fit, and deciding on if this is really what they want to do in their life. There are many ways athletes can find the right fit for them. Some ways include touring campus, talking to other athletes on the team, and even picturing yourself there while walking on campus. This is the place most athletes will spend the next 4 years at, so by picking the place that checks off all of the boxes is key. Another key factor is by surrounding yourself with the people you will spend a lot of time with during college.
“I chose Columbia College, because it seemed like such a good fit for me and I really enjoyed talking to all of the girls on the team and the coaching staff,” Columbia College soccer commit Evelyn Mueller said.
Family members play a significant role during the whole recruiting process and signing day. They help support athletes and encourage them along the way, always wanting the best for them. Many athletes take a while to explore their options during the recruiting process, so constant support is crucial. Although, family members are not the only ones playing a huge role. Without teammates and coaches celebrating the little wins, like at practice and in games, these athletes wouldn’t be who they are today.
“My parents have been my biggest supporters throughout this whole commitment process by being with me the entire time and giving me their feedback,” Drury golf commit Blake Laramie said.
As these student-athletes are transitioning from their regular life at home, to being away from their family there are new challenges to face. While competing at a higher level, they will still face setbacks and little things that will discourage them. Just keep going. Athletes reach so far to get to this point in their lives, playing college sports, by letting these little setbacks take a toll on their whole life will only make them want to give up even more. By staying dedicated with this new life ahead of them, looking back on how they got there will push them to continue to strive for their goals.
“I am so excited for soccer in the fall and making new friends,” Columbia College soccer commit Evelyn Mueller said.
Signing day is a reminder of how hard work and dedication pays off in the long run. These athletes have a bright future ahead of them and there is no stopping them. By using past experiences and lessons they have learned will continue to better themselves and they can even help out others. College sports are hard work, but with continued support it will make it all worth it. Their hard work isn’t unnoticed, it is inspiring for younger athletes who want to achieve their dreams of playing at the collegiate level.
