By FABRIZIO GOWDY | Feb. 6, 2020 | Sports

Six Stanton College Preparatory School senior athletes will continue their athletic careers after signing with colleges as part of national signing day Wednesday.

“It’s not easy, and there’s a lot of decisions that go into it. But to have this and be a part of it is really cool. As student athletes, they have to be stoked right now,” said Stanton Athletic Director Chris Crider.

The girls varsity soccer team, which recently won its sixth straight Gateway Conference title, was well represented. Four seniors, members of the third consecutive senior class to win four conference titles, officially committed to compete at the collegiate level.

“These girls have been a committed part of our program for several years and have helped make Stanton girls soccer one of our best teams,” said Stanton girls soccer head Coach Brian Heggood.

Defensive back and captain Camille Prosswimmer signed with Montreat College, a liberal arts school near Asheville, N.C.

"I have always dreamed of getting to this moment, and the fact that it is finally here feels completely unreal. I’m so blessed to have gotten to this point in my career," said Prosswimmer, who has played soccer since the age of four.

Prosswimmer’s fellow captain, striker Imani Ashman, will attend Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. She will compete on Lehigh’s Division I soccer team, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks.

“It means everything to me to be able to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level. I have been playing soccer since I was five, so to be able to extend that time is amazing,” said Ashman, who is also a captain of the girls varsity squad.

Striker Leena Vashi committed to New York University, where she will play collegiate soccer with the NYU Violets.

“It took me a while before I realized that I was in no position to give up the game I loved so much. I am endlessly grateful to be able to continue playing and be welcomed into a whole new family,” said Vashi, who has also played soccer since she was five.

Midfielder Breckin Armes-Johns rounded out the list of girls soccer players who will be continuing their careers at the collegiate level. She signed with Randolph-Macon College, a liberal arts college just north of Richmond, Va.

Girls soccer players were not the only athletes present; representing the Stanton Lady Bowlers, was four-year varsity bowler and gateway conference champion Emily Ziegler. Ziegler signed with the Midland University Warriors, a Lutheran liberal arts college in Fremont, Neb.

“It definitely took a lot of work and time but in the end it was so worth it, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made,” said Ziegler, who competed at states this past fall as an individual. “I’ve been looking forward to this for so long, and I'm really excited to be able to continue bowling in college with an amazing team and a great coach who will prepare me for whatever comes next.”

At a signing ceremony dominated by female athletes, boys basketball captain Colby Cummings was the lone male athlete present. Cummings committed to Belmont Abbey College, located 15 miles outside of Charlotte, N.C., where he will play for the Belmont Crusaders.

“Basketball really helped me connect with my dad and I fell in love with it. I've worked super hard ever since then and it means the world to me that I’ll be able to continue to play the sport that I love," said Cummings, who began playing basketball when he was five.

The presence of supportive family, coaches, and friends made signing day a special and festive occasion for athletes involved.

“I am very grateful Stanton set up such a nice signing day for us all,” said Ashman.

Stanton Athletes Participate in National Signing Day

By FABRIZIO GOWDY | Feb. 6, 2020 | Sports