On Wednesday, Nov. 14, some of Reagan’s top athletes signed national letters of intent for their chosen universities in a ceremony. This happens every fall and spring and is a great way to honor the hardworking seniors and their parents.

The ceremony is a time for coaches, students and parents to say a few words of encouragement and congratulate their athletes.

“I want to commend you all for your hard work,” principal Brad Royal said during the ceremony. “Hard work pays off. I truly believe that, and you are living testaments to that today.”

Multiple sports were represented on stage, including baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf, cross country and swimming.

This year two members of the baseball team signed. Nick Leonard signed his national letter of intent with Coker College. Leonard is a first and second baseman for the team.

Pitcher David Asbill signed with Winston-Salem State University. Asbill has been working hard for Reagan’s baseball teams for four years.

“Every day when you come to practice I can count on you guys to give 100 percent, and that’s all we can ask for,” baseball coach Gary Nail said.

Two golfers also signed their letters of intent. Men’s Golf team member Grayson Kirkman signed with Pfeiffer University, and Women’s Golf team member Sasha Hayes signed with Campbell University. Kirkman has an average of 84.58, and last year Hayes was named the CPC Player of the Year.

“I want to start off by thanking my parents, especially my dad who’s been with me since day one,” Hayes said.

On the women’s cross country team, senior Ainsley Cooper signed with University of Tennessee. Cooper finished in the top three for Reagan at regionals last year, along with Spencer Faircloth, who now runs at Wake Forest University, and junior Sophie Faircloth.

“I want to thank my teammates for all their support,” Cooper said. “I also want to thank my parents for their constant dedication and support. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Women’s basketball team member Taniya Ford signed her letter of intent with William Peace University, located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Ford is a shooting guard and is ranked 161 in North Carolina.

“I thank Coach Raider and her amazing family at Reagan, Taniya’s mom Tarlea Ford said. “I really appreciate you guys.”

From the highly successful varsity volleyball team, Madeline Winning signed with Francis Marion University, a small university in South Carolina. Winning has progressed very far since first starting volleyball her freshman year.

“It’s been a long journey that we’ve been on, coach Doug Balser said. “I was there the very first time you touched a volleyball. I watched the excitement and the joy on your face.”

Swimmer Max Edwards signed a national letter of intent with the University of Virginia. Edwards was on the Reagan swim team all four years of his high school career. He holds the record for the 50m freestyle and the 100m butterfly.

“Being a teammate, being a family member, being a supporter, just being a friend is so vital to each of us but especially to the eight people we have on stage this morning as they are getting ready to embark on something that they have dreamed of since being a kid,” Royal said.