GIRLS

Soccer

Taylor Baum— Baker University

Gabby Betsch—Baker University

Emily Eldridge—University of Central Missouri

Caroline Hayes— Avila University

Volleyball

Alyssa Phelps— Cornell University

Softball

Megan McGuire— Iowa State University

Emily Rademacher— Central Methodist University

Basketball

Hunter Thomas—Northern Arizona University

BOYS

Baseball

Mitch Thorman— Missouri Western University

Bradley Bullock— Neosho County CC

Brady Childs­— Neosho County CC

Alec Alvarez — JCCC

Colin Frederick— University of Central Missouri

Soccer

Aaron Lippert— Benedictine College

Brandon Betsch— Benedictine College

Football

Aaron Ramsey— South Dakota

Drew Tommelein— Hastings College

Kyle Pepper— Central College

Emily Eldridge— Central Missouri

Emily Eldridge was proud to announce her commitment to the Central Missouri soccer team. The decision was quite simple to make, and Eldridge knew UCM was the right choice from the start.

“They have a great soccer program and coach, which made my decision easier,” Eldridge said. “They are an athletic based school and that is something I really wanted in a college.”

Eldridge also enjoys the tight-knit community that surrounds the Central Missouri campus and how everyone tends to get involved in activities or athletics. Eldridge is fervent to begin her soccer career at UCM and commence her training that will help Eldridge reach her future goals.

“I hope to gain a great education, which will help me find a job right out of college,” Eldridge said. “I also hope to earn a starting position during my freshman year and become an impact player.”

Alyssa Phelps— Cornell University

Alyssa Phelps not only wants to better her skills on the volleyball court, but aims to academically progress while at Cornell.

“I really want to get a good education and prepare myself for what the world has to offer,” Phelps said. “I’m mostly excited for the opportunities that Cornell has for me to really grow as a person and a student while playing volleyball.”

As Phelps progresses toward playing her favorite sport at Cornell, she also wants others looking for colleges to put their heart into the college they choose.

“Find a college that you want to go to and then see if you can play your sport there too,” Phelps said. “Don’t settle, and find a college that you truly love.”

Caroline Hayes— Avila University

Caroline Hayes is eager to begin her season training with the Avila University soccer team. Hayes considered Avila her first college pick because it had everything she was looking for in a school.

“The soccer coach made me feel that I would be very impactful when I got there and welcomed me,” Hayes said. “I want to play where I can make a difference on the team, and I felt more comfortable here.”

Hayes has high hopes for when she steps on the turf next season and wants to increase her abilities as well.

“I want to bring something new to the team,” Hayes said. “I plan to increase my efforts on the team as well as grow close with my team and people at the school.”

Now that her senior year is almost up, Hayes is earnest to accomplish her personal goals while she attends Avila.

“I hope to gain the knowledge I’ll need to succeed in the real world,” Hayes said. “I plan to come to compete every day in soccer and have a memorable college experience.”

Hunter Thomas— Northern Arizona University

When Hunter Thomas went for her campus visit, the feeling of home surrounded her. The basketball team and coaching staff was very welcoming, and from that point on, Thomas knew Northern Arizona University was the right pick for her.

The range between the rocky mountains and the beach is a contributor to why NAU became a great choice for Thomas. She also plans to achieve excellence while she attends NAU and becomes a superior athlete and individual.

“I hope to become a better overall person and athlete,” Thomas said. “I hope to make new friends and perform to the best of my abilities on the basketball court. It’s an exciting challenge, but I’m ready for it.”

Aaron Lippert— Benedictine College

Varsity soccer goalie Aaron Lippert was pleased with his decision to attend Benedictine College. Lippert liked the soccer program the school has to offer as well as what other students had to say about the school.

“The school is at a far away range that is still close,” Lippert said. “The school had a lot of great reviews on their soccer program, and Coach Pendleton is good friends with the Benedictine coach, which made me happy.”

Lippert at some point hopes to be a starting player on the team as well as win a conference title. Lippert wants all athletes looking for a school to attend to search for the school that feels right.

“Make sure to look at a lot of different options,” Lippert said. “Find the one that fits you, and only you, at the school that will make you feel most at home.”

Bradley Bullock— Neosho County CC

Pitcher Bradley Bullock has been looking forward to playing college baseball as long as he can remember and knew Neosho was the school for him as soon as he got the offer.

“It was my first real offer, and I fell in love with what they are trying to accomplish there,” Bullock said. “The coaching staff demands hard work to achieve, and I love that atmosphere.”

Bullock strives to achieve multiple goals, after recovering from a recent shoulder injury, while at Neosho that will benefit him when he decides to transfer to a university.

“I hope to improve on my skill set and ultimately move on to a four year school where I can produce and be a major factor,” Bullock said.

Drew Tommelein— Hastings College

Picking a college to attend was a difficult task for Drew Tommelein. After multiple offers came in, Tommelein was content to finally announce his commitment to Hastings College.

“I picked Hastings because it was far enough away where I will be on my own, and they have a great football coaching staff,” Tommelein said. “The school was just a great fit for me academically and athletically.”

Tommelein intends to help take his team to the next level as well as grow academically.

“I plan to work hard towards my major and then play to the best of my abilities with my teammates,” Tommelein said. “I want to play to the best of my abilities and help my team win the conference.”

With it being his senior year of high school,Tommelein relates with those trying to find a college to attend. Tommelein encourages those who are caught with making a decision to choose a college that’s right for them.

“Find a place that feels like home and fits what you want,” Tommelein said. “If you’re stuck between schools, don’t overthink it, and go with your gut feeling.”

Mitch Thorman— Missouri Western State University

The hope of being drafted is something pitcher Mitch Thorman plans to make a reality through his hard work and determination to the Missouri Western baseball team. Since his early years playing the sport, Thorman has had the want and desire to make it to the big leagues. He also plans to make the most of his college career while reaching his dream.

“I just loved the atmosphere at Missouri Western,” said Thorman. “It’s close enough to come home and far enough away that I didn’t feel like I had to. The baseball team is really good and I can really see myself playing there.”

As Thorman begins to look forward to his future baseball seasons, he has also started to make goals in order to reach his dream of being drafted to the majors. As a team, he plans to win an MIAA title, make first team all MIAA and when a national championship.