February 7th, 2024, was a special day for Putnam City High School athletes because they had the opportunity to sign with their favorite college sports team.

Having to pay for college can be a stressful time for not only the students but their family as well. Having these signings for student athletes can help them get into a college at a lower cost or for free.

“I’m going to Coffeyville Community. My scholarship is to play softball there for two years while they pay for my tuition and fees,” senior Lily Mark said.

Playing sports mean a lot to players and their family members who support them throughout the season. The bond created through these sports is truly special and brings families closer together.

“It means a lot to my family; they get to experience something that they never experienced before. I am the first person to go to college in my family,” senior DaQavion Jarrell said.

While having opportunities like this, there can be lots of advice that comes from a well experienced player. While having these types of opportunities show up, players not only grow as athletes but also as individuals.

“As long as you work hard and grind, focusing on your goal, everything will come to you. Don’t focus on the media,” senior Cayman Brazille said.

Players play sports for many different reasons. It could be something that they picked up as a little kid and continued to love it more as they grew up.

“I’ve been playing since 7th grade, I started playing football at Carl Albert in 8th. I then played in my freshman year at Capitol Hill High School, then I played my junior and senior year,” senior Lavontre Esepre said.