As we get closer to graduation, many seniors are looking toward their future path out of high school. Whether this path leads them straight into a job, going to college, or another post-secondary school, they all have picked the one right for them.
The right path for some seniors, though, has proved to be going to college. They are going not only for academics, but also for athletics and other opportunities such as Speech and Debate in the case of senior Allie Gilliatt, who just recently signed with Casper College.
“I’m really excited to be on such a cool team,” Gilliatt said. “There are some really impressive alumni that I competed with in high school that are on that team already that would just be really amazing to compete with.”
An athlete might want to continue their athletic career into college for many reasons, including an unexpectedly short season.
“I love running and I was injured,” senior runner Brynn Hillman said. “I just wasn’t ready to be done.”
For many athletes, it is important to find the right personal fit, and that might necessitate an in-person visit.
“I was looking for colleges that fit what my values were, a place where I could go and play right away,” senior baseball player Cade Queen said. “I went on a tour and looked at the culture of MSU Billings. I really enjoyed it compared to other colleges I looked at.”
After athletes take the step to pursue colleges, they have to go into the process of committing to their sport with the collegiate program.
“I verbally committed over the phone,” senior football player Jhett Shwahn said. “Then a couple weeks later I had my signing.”
Though most of our seniors are leaving to out of town schools, Gunnar Erickson and Kenzie Fields get the unique opportunity to play for their hometown college and continue their athletic careers as Trappers for Northwest College.
“It means a lot,” Erickson said. “I get to see everyone and they know what I’m capable of. It’s always fun to play in front of all the people that you have played with in your entire life.”
It means a lot. I get to see everyone and they know what I’m capable of. It’s always fun to play in front of all the people that you have played with in your entire life.”
— senior Gunnar Erickson
Although not all athletes choose to continue their careers into college, it is always an amazing opportunity to see them get to continue, grow, and succeed out of high school. Congrats to all of the many seniors who are continuing their careers into college.
