Twelve Coppell athletes prepare to take their first step into college, starting a new chapter in their athletic career. Coaches stand in front of every attendee sharing their fondest moments and stories of their athletes.
This was the scene at Coppell High School Arena on Wednesday for National Signing Day.
Coppell senior Zander Montgomery signed to the University of Oregon to play baseball. Montgomery has dedicated time, effort and energy to put himself ahead and stand out to recruiters.
“My work ethic, doing the work nobody else was doing even when no one was watching,” Montgomery said. “Everything came down to my mom. I’m definitely a family guy and when I was in Oregon, it really felt like home.”
Coppell senior Riya Bapna signed to Boston College to play women’s golf. Bapna looks forward to her next chapter at BC.
“I am so thankful that my parents put me in this sport,” Bapna said. “I think that I’ll be able to bring a good short game to college.”
Coppell senior Nethra Sheri signed to Northern Illinois University to play women’s golf. Sheri is proud of the work she has put in to create future opportunities.
“I’ve put in a lot of work into the last few years, and my parents have definitely supported me to get me here,” Sheri said. “I would tell my younger self not to worry because it all works out in the end.”
Coppell senior Neerali Kapadia signed to Rice University to play women’s soccer. She realizes the importance of having a team throughout high school and it changed her perspective.
“I realized what a team sport soccer was and how it brings people together and that made me realize soccer is so much more than just a game,” Kapadi said. “You learn so much and you just become a better person.”
Coppell senior Rachel Mathew signed to Case Western Reserve University to play women’s soccer. Mathew has used her opportunities in high pressure situations to teach her how to balance throughout tough moments.
“In those high pressure situations, I have to calm myself down because I tend to get a little anxious,” Mathew said. “It truly does help me play better because I know that I’m playing for my teammates and not just myself. I’m playing for something bigger than myself.”
Coppell senior Lexie Patton signed to Louisiana Tech University to play women’s tennis. Patton has been perfecting her skills to establish a collegiate mindset.
“I want to set goals that are achievable and push me to work harder to make me the best athlete I can be for upcoming challenges I’ll face,” Patton said, “I like to stay very calm and keep my mindset clear, but then also I like to go at a fast pace to where it gives me an advantage over opponents.”
Coppell senior Gabrielle Rice signed to Southeastern Louisiana for women’s golf.
“I sacrificed a lot of social time with my friends and loved ones just to be where I am today,” Rice said. “I’ve done hours of repetition and spent so much time on the court and the gym, and it’s finally paid off.”
Coppell senior Ainsley Bramer signed to University of Texas for track and field.
“Success to me looks like building a life that I enjoy everyday,” Bramer said. “It’s such a blessing to have an opportunity to create that life and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Coppell senior Noah Schuller signed to Dartmouth College for track and field. Schuller found a great deal of respect and sense of belonging through his family.
“My family’s always told me that it’s not about how you do, but it’s about how much you try, and if you give it your all, it doesn’t matter how you do, you will be successful,” Schuller said.
Coppell senior Molly Williams signed to Ouachita Baptist University to play volleyball. Williams earned numerous awards and achievements throughout her high school career, including District 5-6A Defensive Player of the Year, Academic All-State and 1,285 career digs.
“I’ve had to work through a lot of injuries and figure out how to keep going, especially throughout the recruiting process,” Williams said. “It feels like all the work I’ve put in was worth it, and it makes me so grateful for my teammates and coaches because I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Coppell senior Anaya Oswal signed to Southwestern Wesleyan University to play volleyball.
“It’s been a trade off with the amount of time I’ve put into the sport and how every minute spent working has brought me to where I am today,” Oswal said. “I know for certain I want to be the best possible version of myself and am able to look bad with pride.”
Coppell senior Zoe Olson signed to Ouachita Baptist University to play volleyball.
“I’ve switched positions a lot, I started my club career pretty late and normally that’s what indicates whether you play in college or not,” Olson said. “I’ve played volleyball since I was in second grade, but I never thought I could take this sport so far until I started club. My 15s coach from Tejas Volleyball Club convinced me to play at a higher level, even though it wasn’t my immediate plan, then I started getting serious.”
As they trade the Coppell star for their college colors, they honor CHS while inspiring the next generation of Cowboys to follow in their footsteps. Each athlete enters a new chapter with new teammates, challenges and campuses, leaving behind a legacy that sets the standard for future Coppell athletes.
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