HISD’s top student-athletes signed letters of intent at the District’s annual National Signing Day ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Friends, families, educators, and coaches packed Delmar Fieldhouse to support their athletes and celebrate their commitment to compete at the collegiate level and continue their education.
“I’m super proud of the athletes. They’ve put a lot of work in, and their coaches, their parents, the Athletics Department have all worked hard to help them get here,” said HISD Athletics Director Andre’ Walker. “I look forward to them coming back and pouring back into the next generation of HISD athletes. That’s how we grow.”
Traditionally, National Signing Day is the first day a senior athlete can sign a National Letter of Intent and is reserved for football athletes, but HISD showcases both female and male athletes from all sports. Once again, National Signing coincided with National Girls and Women in Sports Day, adding to the day’s celebrations.
North Forest High School’s Carde Moore was selected as the ceremony’s student speaker. The dual-sport athlete is a stand-out on the volleyball court but has committed to compete in Track and Field at Texas Southern University. Moore is a member of the National Honors Society and a two-time state-qualifier in Track and Field.
Moore introduced guest speaker Zerick Rollins, Texas A&M Player Developer and Former NFL Coach. The Kashmere High School alum reminisced on his time as an HISD student-athlete who earned a football scholarship to Texas A&M. He shared his key to success and left the athletes with some sound advice.
“Understand that it’s your obligation to take full advantage of this golden opportunity,” said Rollins. “When I reflect on my life, I can say without hesitation that having the right perspective, being connected to the right people, and making the most of my opportunities have allowed me to continue to have success in sports and in life.”
Depending on the sport and NCAA division, student-athletes have time to make their final decision. Here are several HISD student-athletes who have committed:
- Khouri White, Lamar High School – Louisburg College – Basketball (W)
- Linh Le, Westbury High School – University of St. Thomas – Volleyball (W)
- Tristen Brown, Lamar High School – Vanderbilt University – Football (M)
- Jayden Gambrell, Madison High School – Lamar University – Basketball (M)
- Christopher Jones, Westbury High School – Texas State University – Football (M)
- Jadon Garza-Pender, Lamar High School – Brown University – Football (M)
Special thank you to the Heights High School Jazz Band and JROTC for the National Anthem and Presentation of Colors.