By Sloane Samberson
Managing Editor
@SloaneSamberson

Sports, in general, are a big deal in Texas. Sports at Coppell High School are an especially big deal when it comes to National Signing Day. Today at 7:45 a.m., students, coaches, teachers and parents gathered in the the CHS gym to celebrate the signing of eight senior athletes.

“[Signing day] is really rewarding them for all the time and effort they put into their sport,” CHS baseball coach Kendall Clark said. “A lot of traveling, a lot of practices and a lot of games, private lessons and individual instruction. All of its time you have to put into your sport and still be a good student. It’s really great as a coach to see them get rewarded for all that time and effort they put in.”

Two students signed to play volleyball, five to play baseball and one to play lacrosse. For senior pitcher and outfielder Hayden Kettler, signing day came as such a relief.

“I’ve really been looking forward to it,” said Kettler, who signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Baylor. “Now that I’ve signed its just one step closer to the next level. I’ll get to go out and enjoy my senior year, and just play baseball, not have to worry about if I’m going to play college ball or where. It is definitely a sigh or relief.”

For senior Kylie Hagen-Breitenwischer, who signed with Concordia University Irvine in California for volleyball, she is excited for what is to come next fall.

“Signing day means to me the official chance to further the dream and make it a reality,” Hagen-Breitenwischer said. [Signing day] is such a big relief, like I’m actually going to college, doing what I love, furthering my volleyball career. I hope once I get to [Concordia] I can perform successfully. I hope that everything comes out to what it seems to be.

Signing day is not only a monumental moment for the athletes signing, but gives coaches a great deal of pride that they could help aid in these students accomplishments.

“As a coach I feel really proud and excited to be apart of [signing day],” CHS volleyball coach Julie Green said. “If your signing, you have a lot of people supporting you. You have parents and friends that are supportive. There is an awful lot of passion for what [they] do to commit at the level these guys are committing at.”

Overall, the excitement, whether from supportive parents, students or coaches, was radiant as each signee signed the papers, setting in stone that they will be playing their sport for their specific college.

“It is such a great honor, I’m so excited,” said senior lacrosse player Morgan Widner, who signed with Syracuse. “Just looking back at it all, working so hard and pushing through it, I am so happy with this accomplishment. Signing day is just a celebration for all of our hard work we’ve put in over the years. Its finally a moment where we can just breathe.”

2015 Coppell High School athletics fall signees

Volleyball:

Jamie Stivers – Duke University
Kylie Hagen-Breitenwischer – Concordia University Irvine

Baseball:

Charles King – Texas Christian University
Chas Pedersen – Abilene Christian University
Cole Solomon – Abilene Christian University
Hayden Kettler – Baylor University
Ray Gaither – Dallas Baptist University

Lacrosse:

Morgan Widner – Syracuse University