A new chapter unfolds as athletes take the pen to sign letters of intent for college sports. These students, celebrated for their dedication and skill, represent the heart of Wildcat’s pride. With countless senior wildcat athletes, these 16 athletes have taken the next step from the halls of Plano Senior High to the fields, courts, and pools of collegiate competition. 

Anna Nishizaki, the only Plano Senior swimmer to make it to state this year, signed to swim at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.

Madison Chapel signed to play soccer at the University of California State University, Northridge. Madison has been playing soccer almost her whole life and was “in disbelief” when she got this offer. 

“I’m super excited to go play at the next level, especially in California because that’s where I’m from,” Chapel said. To get to play D1 is a dream come true, to be honest.”

Jackson Jordan will play baseball at the University of Texas at Austin next year. He is excited to play at UT next year.

“I would thank my parents above everyone else for giving me everything I have,” Jordan said. “Texas has always been one of my dream schools and Austin is a great place to be.”

Tyran Mason is signed to the University of North Texas for basketball. An offer from North Texas filled Mason with joy and has him ready to experience new things and grow in his abilities.“I’m excited to play D1 basketball and it’s great to see how all of my hard work has paid off,” Mason said. “I’d like to thank God overall because he’s who got me here.” 

Caiden Hoffman will play football next year at Texas Lutheran University. Hoffman has been playing only since 7th grade.

“I feel confident in my abilities and excited for what’s to come,” Hoffman said.  “Go Bulldogs!”

Tayten Kirby will also play football at Texas Lutheran University.

Janiah Jackson will play Soccer at Navarro College. 

“I feel nervous but mostly excited for Navarro, it’s definitely a big opportunity for me,” said Jackson. “I’ve been playing since 3 and was really excited to receive this offer.” 

Alessandra Martinez will play at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She has been playing soccer for 10 years.

“I would thank my whole family, but mainly my mom for helping me get here right now,” said Martinez. “My biggest tip is to just never give up on your dreams even when it’s hard.” 

Christian Clay signed at Mission Tech Prep to play football. He is excited for this upcoming year.

“I want to thank my girlfriend Danielle for helping me through the recruiting process, I couldn’t do it without her,” Clay said.“This offer felt like my whole world shining again.”

Rylei Davis signed with Lakeland University to wrestle. Rylei has only been wrestling for 3 years and was very excited to receive this offer. “I’d say never give up, it’s going to get hard, it’s meant to get hard, just never give up,” Davis said.

Casey Evink signed with Ottawa University in Kansas to run track and field. He feels great going into his freshman year as a student and an athlete. He’s been running track since only the 7th grade and is so excited to see how next year plays out.

“I would mostly want to thank my old coach, Coach Mo. He’s the one who made me fall in love with track.” Evink said.

Peyton Firgens signed to play at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He’s played baseball for as long as he can remember and was excited to receive this offer. 

“I was excited to have a lot of options but this was the one where I saw myself most, and I couldn’t be more pumped,” Peyton said.

Like his twin, Logan Firgens is also playing baseball, but at the University of Central Oklahoma. He has also been playing baseball for his whole life and was excited to receive this offer.

 “My number one tip for other athletes is to show up early, and stay late,” Logan said. Danielle Bennet, who signed with Panola College to play basketball. She feels great going into next year, and all the opportunities it will offer her. As soon as she toured Panola, she knew it was the place for her.

“My greatest advice is to never let adversity define you,” Bennet said.

A couple of students are going a bit further from home. Firstly, Justin Buieneventura signed to play at De La Salle University Manila, which is in the Philippines. He has played basketball since the 6th grade and is excited to keep playing and staying committed. “Next year is going to be a huge change, and sacrifices will definitely have to be made,” Buenaventura said. “I was really surprised when I got this offer, I never believed I would receive an overseas offer.”

Zeth Avila is also going overseas to play basketball at Rome City University in Rome, Italy., He’s nervous and excited for next year, especially nervous to enter a new country. He was shocked to get this offer and is incredibly thankful. 

“I want to thank my mom for keeping me on my path and picking me up when I was down,” Avila said.