National Signing Day, the day every athlete’s younger self dreams of. So many kids dream of playing a college sport when younger, but only a select few do. National Signing Day allows those who made it to be highlighted for the hard work they put in. This year, North Atlanta had ten athletes sign and commit to play in college. These ambitious Dubs truly embody the phrase, “hard work pays off.”
North Atlanta football is known for having big time signees. In the past few years, they have sent players to the University of Georgia, Harvard, and many other universities around the country. This year, three players signed to play in college. Austin Hodge signed to continue playing at Concord University, Bryce Little signed to play at Clark Atlanta University, and Cayden Edwards signed to play at Allen University. These players put in a lot of hard work and effort to be able to play at the next level. “It’s my dream to play at the next level,” said Edwards. “I’ve always known that people only get here through hard work though.”
North Atlanta baseball also had three signees. This is nothing new to them as they have had players drafted to the MLB and countless players go to the next level in previous years. This year, Dustin Rovak, Bray Hill, and Jackson Pechter continue this legacy. Rovak signed to Towson University, Hill signed to Norfolk State University, and Pechter signed to LaGrange College. This accomplishment is just the start of their young careers and now they get to represent not only themselves but also North Atlanta at the next level. “Being able to play in college is an honor,” said Pechter. “I can’t wait to get started and represent NAHS in the real world.”
North Atlanta is not only known for their football and baseball, but also for many other sports. The volleyball team had two singees this year, Samantha Bailey going to California Baptist University and Laila Amos going to University of Texas-El Paso. The North Atlanta track team had Asher Benson sign and commit to Indiana Tech University. Captain of the women’s soccer team, Molly Laing, is going to play for Johns Hopkins University. These athletes all showed the ability to to play at a higher level and now get their chance to prove it. “My younger self would be so proud,” said Laing. “All these long years have finally paid off.”
All around North Atlanta athletics, these athletes have followed their dreams and found success. They now get the chance to live what only the 7% of high school athletes do, play college sports. We know these Dubs will find further success as they move on from the halls of North Atlanta and into the bigger world.
