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As a part of National Signing Day, more than 100 HISD students gathered at the Pavilion on the Forest Brook Middle School campus on Feb. 3 to formally announce their intent to play sports for particular colleges or universities this fall. The annual ceremony marks the culmination of years of hard work — both in the classroom and out on the field — and many of the talented athletes present were savoring their moment in the spotlight.

“I have never been to anything like this before,” said Reagan High School soccer player Stephanie Sanchez, who is going to Alcorn State University in Loman, Mississippi. “I am just soaking it all in.”

“This is awesome,” added Reagan High School senior Treyvion Walden, a free safety who plans to play for Navarro Junior College. His teammate, left tackle Jarron Manning, is going to Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Although National Signing Day is traditionally reserved for football, HISD has included both male and female athletes for the past six years to showcase the district’s athletic talent. Sports represented include: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling. Additional athletic commitments will take place after Signing Day.

“This is a huge step, and you have a huge future ahead of you,” HISD Athletics Director Marmion Dambrino told the students.

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Westside HS senior Mary Alex Krosby is going to Southwestern University to play softball, after one of the school’s recruiters came to watch her play. “It just feels like the right place for me,” she said. Krosby, who is a shortstop with a batting average of 450, began playing on a recreational league when she was only four.

Anthonie Thomas, a senior at Madison High School who plays offensive lineman, signed with Kilgore Junior College. “He’s my only baby, so I am really going to miss him,” said his mother, Theresa Hamilton. “But Kilgore is only three hours away. I plan on going to every football game.”

To view a list of the 2015–2016 HISD student athlete signees, please visit the Athletics website.