Manatee County Student Athletes Commit to Collegiate Sports on National Signing Day
Student-athletes from across Manatee County celebrated a significant milestone as they signed letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. The highly anticipated Signing Day brought together families, coaches, and teammates to honor the hard work and dedication of these young athletes.
At Lakewood Ranch High School, several students committed to universities across the country. Football player CJ McRae will take the field at St. Thomas University in Miami, while Henry Burbee and Parker Severs will showcase their golf skills at the University of West Florida and the University of Florida, respectively. Soccer standout Lainey Curtis will head to the University of South Alabama, and cross-country runner Kyleigh Halloran will compete for Daytona State College. More signings are expected in April.
Manatee High School had an impressive list of signees, including basketball player Antonio Romo (John Melvin Christian College) and several lacrosse players, such as Luana Engel (Stetson University), Grace Knowles (UNC Charlotte), and Zoe Stewart (Lynn University). Football commitments included Andrew Heidel (West Point), Caleb Matelau (University of Louisville), and Kei’shawn Smith (University of West Florida). Softball players Jenna Caldwell (Rollins College) and Hope Jordan (College of Central Florida) also joined the ranks of committed athletes.
At Braden River High School, Pirates celebrated their futures with Lucas Despot committing to St. Anselm for football, while soccer players Samantha Baker (Greensboro College), Lorelai Lis (Guilford College), and Kaele Smith (New Jersey Institute of Technology) signed on to continue their careers.
Palmetto High School honored its athletes as well, with basketball player Tyler Davis signing with Waynesburg University and soccer player Kaylin Allen heading to Polk State College. Softball star Makenna Lee committed to Florida Atlantic University. A special signing ceremony is set for February 18.
Parrish Community High School saw its Bulls heading in various directions, with baseball players Jonathan Maassen (Florida Gulf Coast University) and Tyler Cripe (United States Naval Academy) committing to their respective programs. Football player Owen Tomlinson signed with Ouachita Baptist University, while lacrosse player Emma Dishman joined Ave Maria University. A strong group of softball players, including Hannah Lewis and Sophia Mandarine, committed to Florida Southern University and New College of Florida.
As student-athletes take their next steps, their high schools, families, and future colleges celebrate their achievements, looking forward to the impact they will make at the next level.
