Mansfield ISD Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 16

More than 115 Student-Athletes Take Part in National Signing Day M ansfield ISD’s National Signing Day event celebrated the more than 115 student-athletes who earned scholarships and committed to continue playing at the collegiate level. National Signing Day is held on the first Wednesday in February. It has traditionally been the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding letter of intent to play at a school that is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The student-athletes were recognized and cheered on by their support system. MISD student-athletes from all high schools gathered at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts with their families, friends and coaches to publicly display which college they will be attending when they graduate. Athletics Director Philip O’Neal said millions of dollars in scholarships were earned, and it is a testament to the district’s community support and great coaching staff. “The things that our coaches teach our kids, not just about their game but also about having character, help them to be successful in the classroom,” said O’Neal. “Without the academic component, you don’t get the chance to get the scholarship.” The sports represented on MISD’s signing day included football, volleyball, basketball, golf, track and field, baseball, softball, tennis, soccer and diving. Early signing days were held in November and December. More letters of intent will be signed in April. This is the second year the district has held a comprehensive signing event for student-athletes. 14 Mansfield School & Family Many of the students will go on to play for prominent Division I schools. Mansfield School & Family 15