On February 2, eight North Atlanta High School athletes participated in National Signing Day, an event where athletes commit to a college sport. These talented students are Caroline Saltmarsh, Nicholas Rodman, Claire Shea, Ezra Naylor, K.D.Welch, Dreshonna Mapps-Whitmore, Luke Martin and Kayla Collins.

Soccer players Luke Martin, Caroline Saltmarsh and Claire Shea signed with Piedmont College, Vanderbilt University, and Wisconsin University, respectively. Lacrosse players Kayla Collins, Nicholas Rodman and Dreshonna Mapps-Whitmore signed with Tennessee Wesleyan College, Washington and Lee University, and Olgethorpe University. Football players Ezra Naylor and K.D. Welch signed with Northwood University and Kennesaw State University.

“Though I received scholarship offers from other schools, Vanderbilt had the whole package,” said Caroline Saltmarsh. “It’s got a great soccer program, a great school, and a great town, Nashville.”

Nicholas Rodman described his commitment to Washington and Lee in five words: “It was a perfect fit!”

In addition to the school’s renowned reputation, Rodham felt the small class-size and quality instruction was icing on the cake. He admitted the recruitment from other schools was limited due to his early commitment to Washington and Lee.

Both Saltmarsh and Rodman encourage all student athletes to find the best school for them, both academically and socially. Hard practices and competitive games can become overwhelming, but if you’re at a school that you love, it will be a breeze.