More than 20 standout athletes honored for signing or committing in November
As she languished on lower-level teams in middle school, Brooklyn Bailey’s path to NCAA Division I volleyball was practically nonexistent.
However, the Highland Park middle blocker never lost faith in herself or lost sight of her dream. In November, she signed a scholarship offer to play next season at the University of Memphis.
Bailey has emerged as an integral part of the Lady Scots’ success for the past four years and has become an example of perseverance and tenacity despite being a late bloomer in the sport.
“I was surprised when I made varsity as a freshman,” said Bailey, who verbally committed to play for the Tigers’ new coaching staff this summer. “It made me want to work even harder because I knew volleyball was something I wanted to do in college.”
Bailey was one of 22 HP seniors recognized for finalizing their collegiate athletic plans during a National Signing Day ceremony on Nov. 12.
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Other signees include volleyball teammate Gigi Whann, an elite libero who will head to Arizona, where she committed more than a year ago.
“When I went there, I really loved the players and coaches and the campus was really beautiful,” Whann said. “The program as a whole is just amazing.”
Soccer standouts Addie Brink (Texas) and Reese Liner (Texas Tech) each signed with major in-state college programs.
Both will skip their senior seasons with the Lady Scots, instead opting to graduate from HP early and arrive on their respective college campuses to train during the spring semester and get a head start on classes. Unlike at the high school level, college soccer season is in the fall.
Basketball forward Kate Danner looks forward to being part of a rebuilding process at the University of San Diego, which has a new coaching staff after some recent struggles.
“It was an obvious choice for me,” Danner said. “Their vision for the program aligned with what I wanted. I think the system really fits me. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Eight lacrosse players were recognized, including Harrison Cullum (Syracuse), Mac Dixon (Monmouth), Jackson Bond (North Carolina), John Ryan Faria (Massachusetts), Hunt Henry (Duke), Pearce Powers (Holy Cross), Carter Sutton (Rollins College), and James Allen (Sewanee).
Other athletes among the honorees included swimmer Lydia Westcott (Arkansas-Little Rock), distance runner Spencer Haag (University of Chicago), soccer player Taylor Cook (Rollins College), baseball player Henry Gahagan (Brown), softball player Cecilia Knutson (LeTourneau), and golfer Jeffrey Rubenstein (Emory University). Three rowers also announced their commitments — Lisette Viguerie (Texas), Riya Venkatesh (Oklahoma), and Mimi Tafel (Rutgers).
