Sports provide more than just physical well-being; they give students a way to express themselves. Sports allow students to reach their full potential and enable them to excel in something other than academics. Senior athletes have the option to continue their athletics to college, but it takes dedication and passion to make it happen. Many athletes at Rochester High School signed with a university on November 13th, for Signing Day.
Signing Day at Rochester is when these athletes can dedicate themselves and their training to a college that wants them on their team. This day and decision will change the lives of these students immensely, but it’s a decision they will overcome. These students excelled in various sports and each one has shown their dedication through their growth.
Lucy Cook, varsity cross country and track runner, was one of Rochester’s seniors who participated in Signing Day. She made her commitment to Michigan State University. It takes dedication and passion to play a sport competitively in college and when Cook was asked why she wanted to continue cross country and track, she replied, “I’ve always loved running cross country and track and it was a great opportunity.” Michigan State is an exceptional school, and Cook had many reasons for attending. For example, she stated, “I really like the team and that was the place that I thought I could accomplish my goals the best and have the most fun.” There’s no doubt that she’ll continue to be a fantastic runner and addition to Michigan State University.
Another player who participated in Signing Day is Gabriella Martin, a Rochester varsity soccer player, who signed to Saginaw Valley State University. She wanted to continue her athletic career in college. She stated, “I wasn’t ready to hang up my cleats and I feel like there’s so much more for me. And that’s one of the main reasons that I wanted to continue playing soccer in college. I worked really hard to be on top teams and extra practice and I wasn’t ready to just let it all go yet.” Other than Saginaw Valley State being a great school for soccer, she had other reasons why she wanted to attend. Martin said, “I’m a very homebody person so I wanted to be a little closer to home. I chose a D2 school because I want to get more minutes as a freshman and sophomore and at most D1 schools you don’t start playing until your junior year. I also really like a smaller school so it was just a really good fit for me and the environment is amazing, the team is amazing, and I love the coaches.” There’s no question that she’ll contribute a lot to Saginaw Valley State both on the field and in the classroom.
Even though the seniors will be furthering their education and continuing their sports, they will be missed by many at Rochester High School. Congratulations to all the athletes who dedicated themselves to a college on Signing Day!
