Nearly 150 students sign letters of intent for collegiate athletic programs across the country

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000VI5cSxHEg_M” g_name=”20190206-National-Signing-Day” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]

With their parents, coaches, and friends looking on, two of the Houston Independent School District’s top athletes announced they will attend Kentucky State University and the University of Texas to pursue their athletic and academic careers.

Mesi Wilson is a standout in volleyball at Bellaire High School who has been offered a scholarship to play at Kentucky State.

North Forest High School’s Javonne Shepherd, one of the top offensive tackles in the state, has accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Texas.

The two joined nearly 150 HISD student athletes on Wednesday at the district’s National Signing Day as they officially committed to participate in basketball, soccer, baseball, football, lacrosse, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, golf, softball, cross country, and wrestling at colleges and universities throughout the nation.

The speaker at this year’s event was former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton, who told the students to celebrate their success without forgetting their purpose.

“Greatness is what happens beyond today,” Bolton said. “If you lose your ‘why,’ you lose your way. This is your journey, don’t give it away.”

HISD Board of Education Secretary Sergio Lira was on hand to support the student athletes and their families, as was HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and HISD Athletics Director Andre’ Walker.

Traditionally, National Signing Day has been reserved for senior high school football players, but HISD includes both female and male athletes from all sports to showcase the district’s athletic talent. Additional athletic commitments are expected after Signing Day.

Below is a complete list of student athlete signees.