(Seguin) — Five Navarro High School students signed college letters of intent at a ceremony Monday at the school, with athletes and a performer committing to programs across Texas and Illinois.
Harlie Bode, senior captain of the Navarro dance team, signed with the dance program at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. Bode said she plans to study business with a marketing emphasis and minor in coaching while pursuing a math teaching certification.
“And then I plan to be an intern for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, if they’re hiring, to get the social media and dance aspects,” Bode said. “And I’d like to own a studio to help dancers.”
Lady Panther volleyball player E’mirrah Harris signed with Quincy University in Illinois, where she plans to study radiology. Harris said academics were a driving factor in her decision.
“They have a great radiology program. I’m all about academics at this point,” Harris said. “I want to be a radiologist and they have a great program and I got into that program, so I signed.”
Jacob Cooper signed a tennis commitment with Monmouth College, also in Illinois, where he plans to study business finance. Cooper, who is originally from Illinois, said the coaching staff played a key role in his choice.
“I reached out to the coach there and he seems like he really wants to improve me as a person and a player,” Cooper said. “He was very nice and welcoming, and I felt it suited me best.”
Camden Shields signed with LeTourneau University in Longview, where she will play women’s basketball and study biomedical science and nuclear medicine. Shields said she will cherish her time competing at Navarro.
“I think just playing with my friends. I know I’ll make new friends where I’m going,” Shields said. “And playing for coach (Nick) Israel this past year has been so amazing. So, I’ll always miss that and some of those memories I made here.”
Noah Rosas rounded out the group, signing a baseball commitment with Nelson University in Waxahachie, where he plans to study sports management. Rosas reflected on his time with the Navarro program and looked ahead to the postseason.
“I just really like spending time with the guys and having fun and making memories as we go along,” Rosas said. “This year, we were supposed to be an underdog, but as of right now, we’re gonna win district. And we’re just pushing towards the playoffs.”
Rosas and the Panthers can clinch a district championship tonight when they travel to San Antonio Kennedy. A Navarro win wraps up the District 28-4A title. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. in San Antonio.