As the spring season arrives, student athletes begin to make their decisions on where they are going to commit for college. Seniors such as Alex Bellem, Kenzie Gardner and Devin Gill will be off to play their designated sport next year.
Starting quarterback, Gill, capped off his high school football career in early November. He has played football for four years and is ready to take the sport the next level. He has decided to play football at Fork Union Military Academy near Charlottesville, Virginia.
“I chose Fork Union because it was the best option for me in terms of a junior college or prep school,” Gill said. “I am going for a semester to develop as an athlete and to get ready for high level college football.”
Gill will be attending a prep school to train his body for the next level.
Other professional football players have also gone to small schools to prepare for the next level, such as Lions running back LeGarrette Blount, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
Gill explained how he thinks he will do well once he gets adjusted to the faster pace of the game.
“I know I will continue to prove people wrong, you’ve got to bet on yourself, always,” Gill said.
Senior captain Bellem for the varsity lacrosse team is also continuing his lacrosse career through college. He has played lacrosse here for four years, but has also been playing ever since he was a child. Bellem has decided to sign at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida, which is D2 and will be receiving a full ride scholarship from the University.
“I decided on PBA because of the coaching staff and the location of the school,” Bellem said. “I also really like the Christian based education.”
Bellem believes that he can be really good at PBA, but is a little nervous to play with such experienced athletes.
“My freshman year will be more of a learning experience as I will probably be getting a little bit of playing time,” Bellem said. “I hope to score a goal my freshman year to prove that I am a good enough player.”
Gardner is the only senior on the girls varsity lacrosse team this year. She has played here for the last four years and will be attending Eastern Mennonite University to play lacrosse next year
“I decided to sign at EMU because this is their first ever women’s Lacrosse Program,” Gardner said. “I get the opportunity to start for all four years and not having to wait until my junior or senior year to play.”
Gardner also explains how she is slightly nervous to play at EMU.
“Athletes have much more experience at the college level,” Gardner said. “The majority of our new program will be incoming freshman, so we’re going to have a lot of learning to do.”
She believes she will be better than ever as she takes her next step.
“Fighting off from a concussion, I think I will be playing at my highest level. I get to play every position on the field and first and foremost to relax and have fun,” Gardner said. “It will be experience throughout my academic and athletic career.”