Surrounded by proud friends and family members, Spring ISD student-athletes celebrated National Signing Day on Wednesday with special ceremonies at their home campuses. Senior athletes from Westfield, Spring and Dekaney high schools officially committed to continuing their athletic careers and education by signing letters of intent  to attend their chosen colleges and universities.

Overall, 20 students from the three schools signed to play football, baseball, and even rowing with schools both far away and closer to home, including Rice University,  Howard University, West Point (Army), and University of Southern California, among others.

Spring High School

The Spring High School gymnasium was full of excited students and coaches, all hopeful for the future. Over 75 family members, friends, coaches and school staff gathered to celebrate five student-athletes that will further their education and athletic journeys at the collegiate level. 

Each table told its own story and had its own college theme. They were filled with honors and accolades that each athlete accomplished during their high school careers. Families and friends couldn’t help but smile as each athlete stood for their speeches thanking everyone for supporting them through the ups and downs.  Campus athletic director Antonio Singleton was proud to see the student-athletes get to this point.

“These kids worked extremely hard and I couldn’t be prouder,” Singleton said. “They all deserve this opportunity and it has been a true pleasure to have them as a part of the Spring Lion community.” 

One student-athlete in particular faced challenges along the way, and  instead of giving up, she overcame them.

Kori Sessions played volleyball for Spring High School for the last few years until her junior year, when she suffered an ankle injury that put her out of the lineup for a significant amount of time. During this period, the coaching staff of the rowing team at Rollins College contacted her after viewing some of her volleyball footage. Impressed by her potential, they extended an offer for  a scholarship.

After talking to her parents, she decided to make the switch to rowing. Since then, she hasn’t looked back.

“I’m really proud of myself, ” Sessions said.  “I’ve always worked hard and that’s another reason why I’ve had the opportunity to go somewhere like Rollins.”

In total, Spring High School had five students sign letters of intent to attend and compete in collegiate athletics at the following universities. Three students signed to play football: 

Rueben Ingram, Henderson State; Merrico Phillips, Blinn College;  and Ahran Ogbor, Rice University.  Carson Culbertson signed with Nelson to play baseball. Kori Sessions signed with Rollins College to join their rowing team.

Westfield High School

At Westfield High School, excitement filled the gymnasium as proud parents and attendees gathered to celebrate nine student-athletes making one of the most important decisions of their lives—choosing their college destination.

Texas A&M Kingsville university signee Kadarious Coleman expressed his determination for the next chapter of his journey.

“I want to make an impact when I get there,” Coleman said. “ I want to be a sound player, I will go out there and be very hard working, have my head on straight, go to class, and do everything I need to do so I can succeed.”

Coleman leaves Westfield with a 3.7 GPA and a reputation for balancing academic excellence with relentless dedication on the field. 

Leaving behind a legacy of discipline and perseverance is something Head Coach Desmar Black takes great pride in.

“These guys have left a mark because they have continued on a lasting tradition over the last 25 years of guys showing discipline, hard work, consistency,”  Black said. “It’s paid off for them individually, but it has also continued the legacy that has already been established.” 

Westfield senior Zachary Gibbs, who is headed to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, played a key role in the Mustangs’ undefeated district season, ranking third on the team with 13 tackles for loss. He looks forward to continuing his high-energy play at the next level.

“I’m looking forward to being a dog on the field, getting close with God on and off the field, and doing what I have to do to take care of my family.”

The Westfield student-athletes that are signing to universities include: Zachary Gibbs, University of Mary-Hardin Baylor; Evan Stroman, University of Louisiana – Lafayette; Kadarious Coleman, Texas A&M University – Kingsville; Jordan Reasonover, University of North Texas; Joseph Albright, Texas Christian University; Keshawn Monroe, University of New Mexico; Ryan Anderson Jackson State University; Nehemiah Allen, Army-West Point; and Lathan Fletcher, East Texas Baptist University.

Dekaney High School

At Dekaney High School, six student-athletes signed letters of intent to join several prestigious college football programs. Among them, Kyle Dillon signed with Howard University, expressing gratitude for those who have supported him along the way.

“This is just a blessing to be able to come out here and have all my friends and family who supported me after this long journey we have been through,” Dillon said. “I’m so so grateful for everybody and everything that has happened throughout these four years.”

Kyle is a dedicated Spring ISD student with a strong commitment to academic excellence. As a top contender for class valedictorian, he demonstrates the importance of education to both himself and his family. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, he is continuing a proud legacy, as his uncle also graduated from Howard.

His father, Kyle Dillon Sr., reflected on his son’s journey.

“To see he’s been from kindergarten all the way to here, and now he’s at the point where he’s about to go to the next level, I’m so thankful for everybody in Spring ISD,” said his father, Kyle Dillon Sr. “ I am thankful to my wife as well, she’s been here since day one and I’m just grateful. “

Another standout athlete, senior Tanook Hines, affectionately called “Nu Nu”,  collected around 40 offers from a plethora of schools around the country. The list is extensive—University of Georgia to the University of Alabama—all the way to Notre Dame. Ultimately, the University of Southern California Trojans won the sweepstakes for the prized wide receiver. 

“He’s not just trying to go to the person that won the last championship,” said childhood coach John Alexander. “He wants to go somewhere where he’s gonna be able to have a chance to produce.”

Hines says he remains thankful, hungry, and ready to compete at the highest level.

“I feel very, very blessed. I’m really just grateful for this opportunity,” Hines said. “I’m trying to get there and I’m trying to show them my talents.” 

In total, Dekaney had six students sign letters of intent to play college football: 

Tanook Hines, University of Southern California; Nick Townsend, University of Texas – Austin; Jamal Frilot, University of Texas – El Paso; Sean Primas, Navarro College; Kyle Dillon, Howard University; Daevon Scott, McPherson College.