Memorial and Stratford high schools hosted their Fall Signing Day on Wednesday, Nov. 9 and 22 student-athletes signed their letters of intent to play collegiate sports as their classmates, friends, family and coaches cheered them on. 

“Playing football at an ivy league university has been my dream since I can remember,” said Chase Goodwin, a Memorial student who committed to playing football at Columbia University. “The support I have received at Memorial both sports-wise and academically has enabled me to obtain this opportunity. I am grateful to my teachers and coaches for always encouraging me.” 

The opportunity to participate in collegiate sports is a great achievement. Students must have good academic standing, leadership skills and exceptional sportsmanship. 

Spring Branch ISD builds on the strengths and gifts of Every Child and is dedicated to ensuring they achieve T-2-4 success. Signing Day strengthens that vision and highlights that graduates are reaching that goal. 

“This is such an incredible day of celebration for our students, families and community,” said Paige Hershey, SBISD Executive Director of Athletics. “It’s exciting to see where our students are going and this is just the beginning! Each year we have more and more students committing to playing collegiate sports and I can’t wait to see all the other students who will be signing throughout the year.” 

This Signing Day, students committed to schools across the country including Brown University, Vanderbilt University, Baylor University and McLennan College, among others. 

“Signing Day is a symbol that all my hard work has paid off,” said Olivia Abbott, a Stratford student who committed to playing volleyball at the University of Incarnate Word. “All the missed events, family functions and vacations, today makes it all worth it. I am so happy to be here!” 

During the Signing Day events, families and friends excitedly took photos with the student-athletes and congratulated them on their accomplishments. 

“These students have worked very hard to have the opportunity to play at the next level,” said Budd Booth, Memorial tennis coach. “I am proud of them and excited to see them excel in their future endeavors.” 

Congratulations to these student-athletes! 

Memorial High School: 

• Britton Buckingham, Washington and Lee University (Tennis) 
• Mason Costa, Florida Institute of Technology (Lacrosse) 
• Sean Fargo, Texas Lutheran University (Soccer) 
• Adelhia Ghonda, Oklahoma State University (Soccer) 
• Chase Goodwin, Columbia University (Football) 
• Grayson Lincecum, Tyler Junior College (Baseball) 
• Sofia Mazzucato, Xavier University (Tennis) 
• Collin O’Grady, Paris Junior College (Baseball) 
• Brody Rhee, High Point University (Lacrosse) 
• Jakob Schulz, Vanderbilt University (Baseball) 
• Alexa Shields, Brown University (Gymnastics) 

Stratford High School: 

• Olivia Abbott, University of Incarnate Word (Volleyball) 
• Lauren Ahearn, Manhattan College (Soccer) 
• Keanu Dawes, Rice University (Basketball) 
• Kristin Geczik, United States Military Academy - West Point (Soccer) 
• Justin Kaimann, University of South Carolina Aiken (Cross Country/Track) 
• Sharlotte McClintock, West Texas A&M University (Volleyball)
• Brecken Menuet, McLennan College (Baseball) 
• Allison Ortiz, Trinity University (Swimming) 
• Terveen Paxton, Texas A&M University (Baseball) 
• Nina Terry, Maryville University (Volleyball) 
• Allison Zilafro, University of Dallas (Soccer) 

View the full album of celebrations!