Signed, Sealed Delivered

Signed, Sealed, Delivered Reporting by Daysun Brown, Staff

A Q&A with seniors who are continuing their athletic careers in college

Abbey Iler, soccer

What school are you committed to?

I’m going to Indiana University for Women’s Soccer.

How did you know IU was where you wanted to go?

I’ve wanted to go to IU since I was 8. I went to their ID camps and overnight camps when I was little. I’ve always loved that school and through the recruiting process I’ve always had them in my head. In my last showcase, they asked me if I would want to take a tour and I was like, “yes, absolutely.” It was like a dream.

How does it feel to already be committed?

It was a huge relief when people were going through their Common App because I was already allowed to have that done. It was a huge weight off my shoulders. I still had to fill out a Common App but I didn’t have to do the required essays because I had already gotten into the women’s program.

Has Senioritis kicked in?

There is a little bit but I can’t fall back because I would lose scholarship money and my parents would be mad at me.

Evan Poland, golf

What school are you going to?

I am going to Indiana Wesleyan and I signed for golf.

How did you choose Indiana Wesleyan?

I was looking to go in-state and I was looking for a Christian university. We narrowed it down to three colleges Taylor, Indiana Wesleyan, and Grace College. Indiana Wesleyan was the top option.

How does it feel to already be committed?

It is a lot of pressure taken off of my back because I know a lot of my teammates are going through the commitment process. It’s good to just know where I am going for my future.

Has Senioritis kicked in?

There have been a few times where I don’t want to push myself anymore but I am getting academic scholarships too so I have to keep that up.

Any final thoughts on your signing?

I was one of the few people who did a signing so it was cool to have that. Having the actual signing was nice. The athletic director came, my coach came, a bunch of friends came and my teammates came. It was nice to have everyone who impacted me throughout high school be in one room for that signing.

Drew Dickson, baseball

What school are you going to?

I’m going to Northwestern to play baseball.

How does it feel to be already committed?

It feels great to be committed. I don’t have to stress about applying to a load of different schools and I know where my coach wants me to be athletically when I step on campus in the summer. He and I have worked out a plan to help me get there.

Has signing changed the way you’ve looked at this year?

Honestly signing hasn’t really changed much of the way I am looking at this year. In my mind it was just confirming my commitment which is great but didn’t really affect the way I’m looking at things.

Has Senioritis kicked in?

Senioritis has definitely kicked in, especially now being committed for over a year. I’m super excited to get on campus this summer and it’s getting pretty hard to keep waiting.

McKenzie Schultz, lacrosse

What school are you going to?

I am going to Attend Ashland University to play Division II lacrosse.

How did you find Ashland University?

How does it feel to be already committed?

I didn’t necessarily find Ashland, more so they found me. Honestly, at first, I hated it. It was a rainy day and due to it being summer the campus just felt super empty and gloomy. My mom then convinced me to visit again after school started and my view completely changed. I got to go to class with one of the lacrosse girls, I ate lunch in the dining hall, and got a tour of the campus from some of the players. I really feel like this is what my turning point was. They sent me an offer and a few days later I was verbally committed to Ashland University.

It feels great. I am super excited to continue what I love to do. To say I was a college athlete one day will be a huge accomplishment, something I’ve wanted since I started playing the sport.

How has signing changed the way you are looking at this year?

Signing has made every moment with my friends, family, and teammates bittersweet. When so many of my friends, teammates, and family all showed up to my signing I felt so overwhelmed with love; it was a great feeling to know all these people supported me and were proud of where I’m headed. As far as the season goes for this spring, I am beyond excited to play with these girls again for one last ride and improve myself and my team. I can’t thank them and my coaches enough for making me the athlete, leader, and person I am today.

Brit Dalberg, rowing

Isaiah Davis, basketball

Where are you committed?

I will be attending Huntington University. I’ll continue my athletic journey and pursue a degree in the Bible and Theology.

How did you find Huntington University?

I had developed multiple offers from other schools and developed a relationship with the coaching staff throughout that process. I took a couple of visits and really fell in love with the school’s mission and the staff’s vision.

How does it feel to already be committed?

It is a huge relief to be committed so early in the year. Not many have that option and it is a very stressful decision but I am blessed to have that route.

Has Senioritis kicked in?

Senioritis is a real thing. But, I think I’ve shifted my perspective to be more thankful for being able to join my senior year in-person since many haven’t gotten that same opportunity in recent years. Signing has definitely made for a more relaxing senior year and I’ve been able to enjoy it by going to all the sporting events, dances, and school events.

What school are you committed to?

Seattle Pacific University for Rowing. I was looking for a smaller school and a Christian- oriented school. It was a Division II school, so it is a nice balance between academics and athletics. They had me out for an official visit back in October and that was really cool. I got to see the team, the campus, the boathouse and explore Seattle a little bit.

How does it feel to already be committed?

It feels really good; it was a long time coming. I wanted to push it out until I visited more schools but I thought about it and took everything into consideration. It was the best place and the best program for me.

How has it changed the way you are looking at the rest of your year?

It’s a big stress reliever. I know many students are still trying to figure out where they are going. It has made me more thankful for my friends and taking more time to spend with them and realizing that they are just as important as my academics.

Has Senioritis kicked in?

Maybe a little bit but I’m pushing through and am definitely trying to get through the semester. We’re gonna make it through!

photos submitted by featured students