The first National Signing Day of the school year kicked off with several area student-athletes signing National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.
Joplin High School had several student-athletes signing NLIs: Riley Kelly signed with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, while Kadence Lawson signed with NEO soccer.
“It means a lot to me,” Kelly said to JoplinSportsHub.com. “I’m happy Coach B believes in me and wants me to be a part of her program. It gives me a chance to compete at a higher level and continue to play the game that I love.”
Maria Loum signed on to continue her track and field career at State Fair Community College. Abby Lowery will continue playing softball at Arkansas Tech, while Chance Tindall will continue running cross country at Arkansas State.
“I would say that my decision to commit was something I thought hard and long about,
especially since I had committed pretty early,” Lowery told JoplinSportsHub.com about her commitment. “However, It wasn’t easy to think about, and convince myself that this was real life. Knowing I would be in good hands made things 1000 times easier, and I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me.”
Joplin’s Libby Munn is also continuing her softball career at the collegiate level, suiting up for South Dakota State.
“It’s a surreal feeling for sure,” Munn told Joplin Sports Hub. “Watching these signing days since I was in middle school, I never dreamed my time would get here. My journey has been a lot different than what I had pictured, but it's all God’s plan and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
Jadyn Pankow committed to Iowa for rowing, while Anna Stanley signed on to continue gymnastics at North Carolina.
“Walking away from the sports I have dedicated the last 10 years to will be tough,” Pankow said about taking up rowing at Iowa. However, this is a new challenge with an incredible group of coaches and athletes that push you to find a better version of yourself.”