For student-athletes, one of the most exciting moments in their lives is the day they sign their National Letter of Intent (NLI). Years of dedication and hard work has led to this moment. Most athletes verbally commit to colleges, but nothing is official until the NLI is signed.
Most schools make National Signing Day an event, and Geneseo High School Athletic Director Joe Nichols supports that. He believes Signing Day is essential: “It shows the younger athletes in our schools that culture of going to the next level. We want to represent Geneseo but we also want to reinvent and challenge ourselves.”
Hannah Copeland, who recently signed to play volleyball at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, says, “I’m relieved that I know what’s happening next. It’s nice to know what I have to do to prepare for college now.” Copeland continued, “I’m moving on to my club season so playing at that higher level will help me prepare for higher level college play.”
Kammie Ludwig signed to play women’s basketball at Providence College in Rhode Island. Kammie said, “When I stepped on campus I knew that is where I wanted to be. Providence is twenty hours away, but I wanted to explore what else the world has to offer.” Ludwig added, “Before my decision, everything was getting stressful because of COVID and recruiting classes were getting cut in half so there was pressure on all athletes this year. But I was told when you commit you’ll feel tremendous relief and that was very true.”
“I hope our students have that mindset that we want to go as far as our talents and abilities will take us but never lose sight of where we came from,” says AD Nichols. “The community support that our student-athletes receive all the time is phenomenal and it doesn’t happen at every place and certainly isn’t the norm.”
This fall, Geneseo High School celebrated three athletes and their commitments.
Hannah Copeland (volleyball) – Daughter of Mark and Stephanie Copeland – University of Missouri – St. Louis
Kammie Ludwig (basketball) – Daughter of Justin and Jennifer Ludwig – Providence College
Malakai Schaad (Track & Field) – Son of Jason and Gwen Schaad – Wichita State University
Dalcon DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
Hannah Copeland(Daughter of Mark and Stephanie Copeland)
Kammie Ludwig(Daughter of Justin and Jennifer Ludwig)
Malakai Schaad(Son of Jason and Gwen Schaad)