Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Nick Rizzo
Five Jasper High School student-athletes took the next step in their athletic careers Wednesday, signing to compete at the collegiate level during a ceremony held at the school.
The signees include Lilly Banks, who will play softball at Bevill State Community College; Micah Pledger, football at Northeast Mississippi Community College; DeCaleigh Calvin, volleyball at Calhoun Community College; TJ Hood, football at Ottawa University; and Grant Bailey, football at East Central Mississippi Community College.
Jasper High Athletic Director Jonathan Jordan said signing day is always a highlight for the school.
“It’s a culmination of the fantastic [high school athletics] careers of these young men and women. I say this every time we have a signing, but what they’ve done is uncommon. Only seven percent of high school athletes ever play at the collegiate level, and only two percent ever receive scholarships to play at the next level,” Jordan said.
Jordan also praised the work ethic that brought each athlete to this moment.
“These young men and women have all put forth extreme effort to be able to do what they do,” he said. “They put in the extra time. They work when nobody else is working. They do the right things when nobody is watching. It doesn’t just happen. You don’t just roll a ball out there and suddenly get a scholarship. Each of these athletes has made an impact on our school, from state championships to all-state selections. Each of these kids has a unique story that got them to this point, and we’re proud to be a part of it. We couldn’t be more excited about the success they’ve all had on the field, on the court, and in the classroom.”
Softball coaches Kaylee Horton and Brandi Hall spoke about Banks’ dedication to the sport.
“Lilly is an amazing player on and off the field,” Horton said. “She has tons of leadership qualities, and she brings out the good in the whole team. We are so proud of her and can’t wait to see her succeed at the next level.”
“I am so proud of Lilly and all the work she has done over the years,” Hall said. “She has worked her tail off, and it has been such a blessing for me to get to be a part of her softball career.”
Jasper football coach David Reeves reflected on watching Pledger, Hood, and Bailey develop during their time in the program.
“This is just the beginning of so many great things that each of them will do. As your coaches, we are so thankful that we got to be just a small part of your life along the way,” Reeves said.
Volleyball coach Kellye Bowen highlighted Calvin’s positive spirit and perseverance.
“The one thing that our program is going to miss most about DeCaleigh is that smile,” Bowen said. “Every day she walks in with a great attitude. She did an amazing job leading our team in whatever we decided to do any given day. She gave our program a lift when we didn’t have one, and she did a phenomenal job. She is a poster child for perseverance and never giving up or wavering. She gave it everything she had her senior year, and I am prouder of her than anything.”
During the ceremony, each athlete took time to thank God, their families, coaches, and teammates for the support that helped them reach this milestone.
The ceremony concluded with Jordan leading attendees in prayer, offering thanks for each family represented, the opportunities given to the athletes, and what is held for them in the future.
The Walker Leader congratulates Lilly, Micah, DeCaleigh, TJ, and Grant on this exciting milestone and wishes them all the best at the next level! WL
