Surrounded by family, coaches and teammates, student-athletes celebrated a milestone that marked both the end of one chapter and the start of another. Now, as they head to the college level, they’ll carry their experience, determination and support system with them. Their signatures remind them that success is built one step at a time, and for these athletes, the next step is only the beginning.
Texas High School’s Spring Singing Day occurred on Apr. 15, 2026, where six students signed to various sports programs, including soccer, football, baseball, swim and softball.
Just keep swimming
The sharp scratching of a pen sounds as seniors fulfill their long-awaited dreams when committing to compete at the collegiate level.
Two senior swimmers, Coy Ward and Lili Lefores, signed to Centenary College of Louisiana and Ouachita Baptist University to further their academic and athletic careers. Both swimmers began the recruiting process last school year, each going through a lengthy process to commit.
“Coach Pat came to our pool and picked three swimmers [off] of our team,” Ward said. “He told me he wanted me on their team next year. He was really trying to sell me, and it’s just something I want to be a part of.”
Lefors wasn’t originally planning to attend Ouachita, but after exploring the university, she learned that she couldn’t pass up this opportunity.
“I met the coach last summer at one of the summer league meets and he talked to me,” Lefores said. “He said that he liked my skills, and he wanted to recruit me for OBU, and that’s where our communication started.”
Lefors and Ward feel that their coaches contribute to making significant impacts on their life both in and out of the pool.
“I have been going to the gym consistently for a long time,” Ward said. “but [my coaches] have given me the support that I’ve needed to make it this far.”
Lefors express’ that coach Susan Likins helped her particularly with connecting with coaches
“I have asked coach Susan if a text has sounded professional enough [before],” Lefors said. “She’s had four boys who have all gone to compete at the collegiate level, and so she’s been through it all.”
Lefors realized at the end of her swim season that she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the sport she had loved for so long.
“After my swim season I realized I wasn’t quite ready to give it up. I didn’t reach all of my goals,” Lefors said. “That made me realize that I didn’t want to be done and I wanted to keep working towards something more.”
Signed, sealed, soaring
Senior Roman Wyatt signed to Texas A&M Texarkana to further his academic and athletic career in football. Throughout his high school experience, Wyatt played at the varsity level as a corner back and wide receiver.
“The main reason I decided to go to A&M is for the engineering program because I planned on pursuing civil engineering for my future endeavors,” Wyatt said. “Also football, it’s new, it sounds fun to be a part of it.”
With much thought and consideration, Wyatt chose the place that gives him the most support and aspects that contribute to his experience at Texas High School.
“My high school coaches prepared me mentally and physically for [college] by the way they treated me,” Wyatt said. “They treat me the way that college coaches are going to, so by the time I get there all this stuff that I’m going through is not going to be anything new.”
Due to the eagles leveling up in division and not playing Wyatt’s freshman year, he will have an entire year of offseason to train for college ball.
“[One year offseason is] kind of an advantage to me, because I get to work out, get bigger, get faster than I already am,” Wyatt said. “ Then about the time the season really starts, it’s all gonna shine.”
Rangers add rising talent
Four-year varsity softball player Sydney Woods committed to Regis University to further her academic and athletic career. The NCAA Division II school in Denver, Colorado, known for a resilient, high-energy style of play, provides Woods an opportunity, and she plans to show up, stand out, and make a name for herself.
“I decided to commit to Regis University because of how well rounded the school is,” Woods said. “I know I will be able to get a quality education along with a competitive athletic career.”
The recruiting process demanded patience, faith and hard work from both her and her family, ultimately leading to success.
“I’ve been very serious about softball since the age of 8, but by age 12 I knew that I wanted to compete at the college level,” Woods said. “I think the way that I’ve trained since I was 12 years old has been preparing me for this season of my life. I’m ready to fully take on college ball.”
The people around her played a significant role in her decision, as those who supported her throughout the process offered valuable insight and helped guide her toward choosing the school that was best for her, along with others already at the school.
“I had already felt that this is the school I wanted to attend, so that offer really just sealed the deal,” Woods said. “My experience with both the students in the classroom during my sit-in, and the girls on the softball team was truly great. I loved the culture they have there.”
Living in Texarkana, a place not widely recognized in the softball world, made gaining attention difficult, but she continued believing in herself and trusting God.
“Moving on to college softball, I’m most excited to just continue to play the game that I love,” Woods said. “I can’t wait to sit back and really take in how all of my dreams, hard work, dedication, and perseverance have really come true.”
Woods’ confidence in herself strives as the people around her hype her up while also giving constructive criticism when needed. She believes she will contribute to the team well, bringing more athleticism, passion and hard work throughout everything she does.
“My first year, I really just want to come out and have a good freshman season, keep good grades, and have fun,” Woods said. “I don’t expect it to be perfect, but I do have a standard for myself that I would like to maintain.”
Close to home, big opportunity
As his high school career comes to an end, Deveon Webb- DeRamcy officially signed to play with Texarkana A&M’s soccer team. With high hopes for the future, Webb- DeRamcy expresses his plans for the future and how he got to this point.
“I wanted to be closer to my family and friends since I already knew the culture here,” Webb-DeRamcy said. “I also knew that if I came back, I’d definitely get solid playing time and have a real opportunity to contribute.”
With the help of Texas High’s numerous opportunities, Webb- DeRamsey discovered the path that he will now follow into college.
“I’ve taken several computer-related classes here, and I’ve also done some engineering courses as well,” Webb- DeRamcy said. “Those experiences gave me a good foundation and helped me figure out what I enjoy most.”His original interests now grow into something more, leading him to his future education at Texarkana A&M.
“I’m planning to major in either computer science or mechanical engineering,” Webb- DeRamcy said. “It’s mostly because both subjects have always been interests of mine. I’ve always really enjoyed science and how things work.”
Webb- DeRamcy involved himself with Texarkana A&M’s soccer team from a young age, attending their numerous camps and games.
“Ever since I got to high school, I’ve attended every single camp they’ve held at A&M,” Webb- DeRamcy said. “I’ve gone every year since my freshman season, and it’s always been a great experience.”
At these camps, he built a relationship with the TAMUT soccer coach, Don Kootnz, helping him find a place in the program.
“[Koontz] actually came to a few of my tryouts during my eighth-grade year, and from that point on, he’s continued to show up and stay in touch,” Webb- DeRamcy said. “He’s seen me play several times, and he’s always expressed that he wanted me to play for him.”
While he might be leaving, Webb- DeRamcy appreciates his coaches at Texas High and all the work they put in to help him reach this new opportunity.
“The coaches here have pushed me in multiple ways,” Webb- DeRamcy said. “They’ve not only challenged me physically to make sure I’m ready at the next level, but they’ve also helped me grow tactically, really preparing me for the complexity of the college game.”
From Tiger to Wildcat
As the Texas Tigers’ baseball season approaches the end, senior second baseman Zabre Turner reminisces on his years on the team. He spent his freshman and sophomore years developing his skill, which made way for his junior and senior years to be spent on Varsity as Second Baseman. He plans to continue his baseball career into college.
“I’m going to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas,” Turner said. “I plan to major in kinesiology and eventually become a coach.”
Turner’s motivation throughout high school derived from his coaches’ dedication to making him a better player.
“My coaches have really helped push me to be great. The practices, the training, everything they do pushes me to keep improving and striving to be better,” Turner said. “I’m confident in who I am as a player [because] they’ve always believed in me, and that means a lot.”
Though Turner experienced constant support from others, his communication with college coaches took place in a one-on-one atmosphere.
“I did a lot of the work on my own. I actually found the coach myself,” Turner said. “I kept sending him my game film until he finally responded, and that’s when the offer came through.”
Turner reflects on the lessons learned throughout high school and baseball, carrying each of them with him into his life after graduation.
“[I learned to] keep a good attitude and stay engaged,” Turner said. “I love baseball, and I want to stay engaged in baseball. You have to fight for your spot if that’s what you really want.”