ksat
National Signing Day brought celebrations to high schools across the country as student-athletes marked the next chapter of their journeys. In San Antonio, three schools—Johnson, Antonian, and Harlan—held ceremonies to honor their college-bound athletes.
Johnson High School: Eight Jaguars Sign
Johnson High School had eight female athletes sign to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level. The Jaguars recognized standouts from soccer, golf, basketball, and softball during a campus ceremony on Wednesday.
The signees included: Sophia Allen and Jordin Trimble (Texas Lutheran University soccer), Makenzie Shirley (Incarnate Word University soccer), Abby Hester (University of Texas at Dallas soccer), Abriella Gonzales (Newman University soccer), Kylie Campbell (Johnson County Community College soccer), Sally Shaw (University of Arkansas-Fort Smith golf), and Isabella Jones (McPherson College basketball). Soccer led the way with five signees.
"I was very surprised and very grateful that I got to sign with a lot of my teammates," said senior left wing Abriella Gonzales. "I wouldn't have been here without them and I'm very blessed to share this moment with them."
Senior center back Sophia Allen expressed that the day meant everything to her. "I love to see all my family and all my friends here and I love to see everyone else sign and get together and all sign together," Allen said. "It makes senior year really special."
Three signees will stay close to home: one will play for Jake Plant at the University of the Incarnate Word, and two others will remain teammates at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. "I'm actually really excited," said senior striker Jordin Trimble. "(Sophia Allen) is one of my closest friends, so I'm hoping that we continue our bond and that we can play together at TLU."
"I get to do it with my best friends, so it's super fun to be here," added senior midfielder Makenzie Shirley. "We have a bond outside of soccer, but we all met each other through soccer, so it's been really exciting to be able to be here today."
The signees will finish their senior seasons and prepare to join their college programs after graduation.
Antonian High School: Four Apaches Commit
Four Antonian Apaches were in the spotlight as well, including three volleyball players and one softball player, all from successful high school programs.
The signees were: Maci Cantu (St. Edwards University volleyball), Camila Serna (East Central University volleyball), Kenadie Pina (New Mexico University volleyball), and Isabella Vasquez (Drexel University softball).
"I landed there because I really love the coaches there and the culture they're building," said Kenadie Pina, who is excited to study architecture at New Mexico University.
"It's just so amazing," shared senior shortstop and third baseman Isabella Vasquez. "It felt like all my hard work has finally paid off. It's amazing to be with these other three great volleyball players. I feel very blessed to be here."
The volleyball signees are part of a program coming off a TAPPS state runner-up finish, adding to a strong foundation as they move on to compete in college. "Going to state is an amazing opportunity for any team," said senior middle blocker Maci Cantu. "I'm honestly so proud of my team and I for making it."
"Doing my last game in the gym and last game at state, it was very sad, not heartbreaking, but just cherishing my time here and there's no program like this one," said senior setter Camila Serna.
The four Antonian athletes will now turn their attention to finishing their high school careers before joining their college programs.
Harlan High School: Two Hawks Go Division I
Two Harlan Hawks signed with Division I programs: Nailah Randle (Louisiana State University volleyball) and Josiah Jones (Wyoming basketball).
Volleyball star Nailah Randle signed her commitment to LSU, where she will be a Tiger. The outside hitter said when she looks back on her journey, she didn't think she'd be here. "Little me would never think I made it here today, so I really think it's just a blessing to be able to do this," Randle said.
Josiah Jones made history as the first from the Hawks boys basketball program to earn a full ride to a Division I school. Jones spent his junior year in Dallas but felt it was important to finish his high school career in San Antonio, where he was born and raised. "I wanted my family to come to all of my games my senior year," Jones said. "I'm just very proud of what I've accomplished."
Key Analysis
The signings highlight the depth of athletic talent in San Antonio high schools, with athletes moving on to compete at various collegiate levels. The emphasis on family, friendship, and community was a common thread among the signees, underscoring the support systems that helped them reach this milestone. As these student-athletes finish their high school careers, they carry with them the lessons and bonds formed through their respective programs.
Originally reported by ksat.