Commitments Continued

Elizabeth Creed

“I’ve considered playing in college since at least middle school, it’s always been a goal and dream of mine,” Elizabeth Creed said. Creed is a senior committed to playing basketball at Christopher Newport University. She started playing basketball age six, long before she contemplated collegiate athletics, and looks to her dad for encouragement and brothers as role models. By attending many camps and recruiting events throughout high school, she had learn how to prioritize both basketball and academics. “It’s difficult, but I also feel like the busyness of the season forces me to keep a more structured schedule and stay on top of my work.” She stressed that good grades and connections with coaches are essential in order to get recruited. “If you want to be recruited you have to promote yourself, reach out to schools, and have really good grades.”

Sara Rollins Josh Wattles

“My recruitment process was long, frustrating and rewarding,” senior Sara Rollins said. Rollins is committed to play Division I softball at Coastal Carolina University. Rollins joined Arlington Little League Softball at age seven and views it as the “best decision of [her] life!” Her admiration for the sport came not only from the game, but the connections she gained. “Softball has always been my favorite sport to play, but what makes it really special is the teammates and the community you build on a team.” The adversity she faced as a student athlete and through the recruitment process taught her how to overcome challenges and prepared her well for college. “Keep getting your name out there, keep up your grades, and push yourself as hard as you can.”

“The most challenging part of the recruitment process was making the final decision on where I wanted to be for the next four years of my life,” senior Josh Wattles said. Wattles is committed to play football at Franklin and Marshall College. He initially joined football his freshman year to make friends at a new school, and until last October, his goal was to play baseball in college. However, he recieved more interest from football coaches than baseball coaches. Despite the demands of competing as a two sport varsity athlete, Wattles was able to balance both sports and school. “I think it was actually easier keeping up with schoolwork in season because I had a very tight schedule, so after football practice I would go home and do homework at the same time every day.”

Grace Crum

“My initial goal was to become a college athlete, but actually in another sport, volleyball, funny enough,” senior Grace Crum said. Crum has been an active athlete all throughout her high school career, and discovered her passion and potential in track in her junior year. “I realized track was something I couldn’t imagine not doing for the next four years of my life,” she said. Crum experienced difficulties during the recruitment process given her late start, but is now motivated and excited to attend Georgia Tech. “My biggest piece of advice for student athletes set on being recruited is don’t give up.”