The Catawba Ridge Copperheads had a dozen athletes sign on Wednesday to commit to playing at the next level.
The signing was just for three sports as they had six baseball players, four girls’ soccer players and two softball players make commitments. Catawba Ridge had three different signing ceremonies for each sport.
The two softball players ended the day with their signing. Audrey Wilson officially committed to UNC-Charlotte and Chloe Burger committed to USC-Upstate. Both of them had verbally committed to their respective schools for a while and agreed it was good to sign before their senior season started.
“With a verbal (commitment), it is almost like you are signed,” Wilson said. “I am very excited. It takes all the pressure off.”
Both Wilson and Burger were a lot of the offensive and defensive punch for Catawba Ridge in leading the softball team to the first state team championship in school history this past May.
“They are ready and well prepared to play at the next level,” said Catawba Ridge head softball coach Michael Kidd. “They have what it takes.”
Burger said USC-Upstate won out over the College of Charleston because of the strength of the program.
“I have always been to their camps and they are very competitive,” Burger said.
Baseball had the most signing with six players – all of which were part of the Copperheads state championship baseball team last season.
Aiden Cattarin will be heading to Florence-Darlington Tech, Peyton Dhein will be heading to Virginia Military Institute, Brennan Helms will be heading to Francis Marion University, Jackson Mullen will be going to the College of Charleston, Ben Wilson will be going to Coker University and Owen Noonan will be heading to Winthrop University.
“We are extremely proud of the six seniors that signed their NLIs today,” said Copperheads head baseball coach Stas Swerdzewski. “Each of them has earned their opportunity because of their strong work ethic and commitment to be their best. Each of them played a huge role in last year’s state championship run and we are excited to have them lead our squad in 2024.”
In girls’ soccer, Sarah Sexton will be going to Furman University, Peyton Pierson will be playing for Mars Hill University, Sadie Commerford will be heading to East Tennessee State University and Kyleen Bents will be playing for East Carolina University.
“They are tremendous young women,” said Catawba Ridge girls soccer head coach Joe Dority. “I am extremely proud of all four of them. All four of them picked schools they felt like was best for them.”
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
