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

Fatou Samb is a standout in basketball at Westside High School and has been offered a scholarship to play at the University of California at Berkeley. 

Jordan Huffpower, a top running back at Yates High School, has accepted a scholarship to play at the Sul Ross State University. 

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 Westside High School graduate and current Texas A&M University wrestler Ty’Rae Carter, who shared his experiences transitioning from high school to college athletics while achieving academic success. 

“Trust the people you have in your corner,” told the athletes during the ceremony. “You’ve got coaches, peers, and family all looking out for you and helping you work towards a common goal.”  

HISD Board of Education First Vice President Judith Cruz was on hand to support the student-athletes and their families, as was HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and HISD Athletic Director Andre’ Walker. 

“Today is your day. This is your moment,” Lathan said. “Your hard work, dedication, sweat, and maybe even some tears, have led you to this moment today. You’ve earned it, and you inspire us all.” 

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.