National Signing Day is the first day that student-athletes can sign their national letters of intent, binding them to the schools they have chosen to continue their careers at.
The 2024 signing day ceremony was a grand one for Bearden, as 14 student-athletes signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at a number of different institutions.
“In order to be a college level athlete, you have to be able to perform at a high academic level in the classroom,” athletics director Coach Morgan Shinlever said. “Overall, it is a really good way to promote how well rounded we are as a school.”
The 14 different signees spanned seven different Bearden athletic teams, a testament to the strength of the athletic teams that Bearden offers.
“Collectively, I would stack our athletic department up with any other one in the state as far as being consistent in being competitive and being at the top of districts and regions and being able to compete for state titles,” Coach Shinlever said. “We have great coaches and great students, along with a great community.
“When you have all of those things, along with a great academic school, you are going to find success.”
One student-athlete who enjoyed the festivities of signing day is Preston Gould, who signed his letter of intent with Carson-Newman University to continue his football career.
“It was great to see my family and friends come out and support me in my college decision,” Gould said. “It was really cool to see all the other athletes that I’ve grown up with sign to pursue their dreams of playing college sports.”
Bearden has not only allowed for these athletes to show off their athletic ability at the highest level of Tennessee high school sports, but has also prepared them for success in the classroom at the next level. Brooks Wright, who signed with the University of Tennessee to play baseball last Wednesday, has benefited from the academic prestige of Bearden.
“We have some great counselors, like Coach [Brian] Tanner, who have helped set me up for future success in the classroom,” Wright said. “I have taken several different college courses while at Bearden, and they have prepared me academically for college.”
Not only do the academic and athletic programs at Bearden prepare students well for athletic success, but it prepares students for whatever endeavors they choose to pursue post high school.
“We have a lot of different kids here who chose to do a number of different things after graduating,” Coach Shinlever said. “Those who have participated in athletics and taken advantage of the education offered to them are set up for success with whatever they chose to pursue.”
Bearden 2024 signing day participants:
Nyla Blue (soccer) – Tennessee
Preston Gould (football) – Carson Newman
Gray Loftin (golf) – Cleveland State
Rylie Lucas (soccer) – McKendree
Bre Mendoza (soccer) – Dayton
Jaden Morrell (golf) – UT Martin
Amanda Parker (basketball) – Johns Hopkins
Jack Raulston (soccer) – Berry
Allie Seritt (softball) – Walters State
Lauren Spainhower (softball) – Gardner Webb
Alivia Stott (soccer) – Tennessee
Rhys Thomas (baseball) – Johnson University
Brooks Wright (baseball) – Tennessee
Anna Wyatt (soccer) – Trevecca