National Signing Day is when the top high school senior athletes across the United States make their commitment to play Division 1 and 2 sports collegiately. Five SHS athletes signed: Sophia Ryan, Camryn Cayne, Jordan Levenhagen, Mitchell Caldwell and Brayden Huth.
Mitchell Caldwell signed his commitment to the University of Arizona to continue his diving career.
“I chose The University of Arizona because I felt a connection between the coach and the team,” Caldwell said. “I loved the outdoor facilities and the scenery around the campus. When I got off the plane on my visit, I knew this was different than my other visits.”
Jordan Levenhagen committed to spending the next four years at Kent State University as their women’s soccer goalie.
“I picked Kent State because of the team and all the opportunities I have after college that set me up for life,” Levenhagen said. “I knew it was the right school when I met the team and saw how good of a bond they all had with each other and with the coaches too.”
One of Levenhagen’s teammates on the Lady Comets Soccer team, Sophia Ryan, signed to play soccer as a midfielder at the United States Naval Academy.
Originally, Ryan made a verbal commitment to the University of Dayton. She ultimately decided to attend the Naval Academy only two months after choosing Dayton.
“It was a really tough decision,” Ryan said. “I was playing it safe by choosing Dayton. I was nervous about the application process and having to serve for five years after college. Deep down, I knew the Navy was where I wanted to play.”
Cayne, another one of Levenhagen and Ryan’s teamates, signed to run track at the Ohio State University.
“I’m super excited to go to OSU,” Cayne said. “My family and I are huge fans, and competing for your favorite team is something you dream about as a kid, so for me being able to live that out is incredible.”
The athletes said the moment it became official came with a rush of emotions.
“It felt very rewarding that my hard work paid off,” Ryan said.
For Caldwell, the moment was overwhelming in the best way.
“Signing Day for me personally was super exciting,” Caldwell said. “To have my whole family there with relatives and friends and coaches was something I am so grateful for.… It made me look back on how many memories I have made along the way.”
Huth committed to play lacrosse at Lincoln Memorial University, a Division 2 school in Tennessee.
“Signing day was a great experience,” Huth said. “It felt great to be able to have my teammates and family there while I signed. I will say, probably getting the call from the LMU coach saying ‘Hey Brayden, we would love to have you on the team, and love to give you an offer’ was a more surreal feeling than signing day.”
Cayne felt like the experience was special because of family and friends who were there, both signing and watching.
“Being able to sign with two of my good friends was such a fun experience, and we were all laughing to each other at times and just overall proud of ourselves and each other,” Cayne said.
Levenhagen said that her teammates and coaches she met through soccer have helped shape her character.
“It has made me into such a good role model to others and a leader that I can use in jobs,” Levenhagen said.
After diving for nine years, Caldwell believes that his experience has taught him similar lessons.
“From discipline. camaraderie and respect,” Caldwell said. “I think I have learned to deal with all kinds of adversity, like defeat and injuries, but I always continued.”
Without the help of his teammates and coaches, Caldwell believes that he would not be able to be diving at a D1 school.
“My teammates have always been the people I look up to in this sport and have always supported me throughout this journey with endless support and encouragement,” Caldwell said. “My coaches have always pushed me to be the best I can be and always give 100% and have been there for me since I started diving.”
Likewise, Ryan credits her success to her coach’s support.
“They really pushed me to always do my best,” Ryan said. “Without them, I don’t know where I would be.”
With signing day now in the past, Ryan looks ahead to the next four years.
“I’m looking forward to being challenged in a new environment,” Ryan said. “I’m also looking forward to meeting new people and being pushed by my new coaches.”
The long road of training and trying to be recruited has come to an end, but it’s also a time that athletes’ younger selves have thought about for years.
Caldwell said that his journey was a long time coming as he reflected on what he would say to his younger self.
“Although there were many ups and downs, and times when I didn’t know if I wanted to dive in college, I think that it all worked out and I’m super proud of myself for continuing my journey,” Caldwell said.
For these five athletes, along with the many others across the country, signing their names is the first step towards a future they have earned through their loyalty and devotion. While they are attending new schools and training in new facilities, they will have the memories of signing at Solon High School.
“This process has been one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences I’ve been through, and I can’t believe it’s over,” Ryan said. “I will always remember this moment when it became official.”
