A group of 14 Nation Ford Falcons signed this past week to play sports in college.
The athletes represented football, with over half of the signees being football players, as well as, lacrosse, wrestling, soccer, baseball, softball and dance. Besides football, the other sports each had one representative.
Signing for football was – Kason Canupp (Anderson University), Malachi Drayton (UNC Charlotte), Patience Andrews (Wingate University), Mason Bucciero (Hampden-Sydney), Isaiah Johnson (McPherson College), JaMari Gore (North Greenville University) and Jadon Davis and Camren Hour (Averett University).
“It is super special to know they are going to be representing Nation Ford,” said Falcons head football coach Jake Bentley. “I can’t wait to see what they do.”
Signing for baseball was Simon Fernandez, who was the 2024 Region 3-5A player of the year. He will be going to Coker University. Fernandez originated from Venezuela and has a career .404 batting average in three seasons.
“Simon, you made it possible,” said former Nation Ford head baseball coach Jeff Stack. “I’m proud of you.”
Ella Witkopf signed to play softball at Montreat College. She is the first signee for first year head coach Shelby Sosebee.
“She has brought personality that you can’t miss to the team,” Sosebee said. “I am so excited to see what you accomplish.”
Soccer player Sophia Banzon will be taking her talents to New York City playing at Fordham University. She has scored 23 goals and has 27 assists through her three and a half seasons at Nation Ford, and currently has the Falcons poised for a potential Region 3-5A championship this season.
“She is a phenomenal athlete,” said Nation Ford head girls soccer coach Chris Carrieri.
Vance Matthews signed to play lacrosse at Hope College in Holland, Mich., Camron Magyar signed to wrestle at Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely, Colo. and Jaeya Carter signed to dance at USC Upstate in Spartanburg.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
