Wednesday, February 4th, was National Signing Day, which represents the first opportunity for student-athletes, along with family and friends, to celebrate their official commitment to their future sports program. There were eight seniors who participated in this special day: Markus McCoy, Briseis Estrada, Alaya Monroe-Sutton, Tyler Koepp, Christian Henry, Imani Johnson, Harmoni Johnson, and Samara Williams. I asked each athlete the same questions, hoping to get some insight into how they are feeling about this new development in their lives.
Markus McCoy:
Football
Q: Where/What team did you sign with?
A: Chicago State University
Q: Why did you sign with this team?
A: Because of the culture the head coach is creating, considering it to be a new team, and on top of that, the fact that they showed true love and interest in me and my well-being.
Q: What are you looking forward to most on your new team/at your new school?
A: Looking forward to building a brotherly bond with the guys.
Tyler Koepp:
Swimming
Q: Where/What team did you sign with?
A: United States Naval Academy
Q: Why did you sign with this team?
A: I committed due to the numerous benefits of attending a service academy, zero tuition, extremely dominant mid-major team with over 20 conference titles within the last 21 years. And the school aligns with my interests in military service in the future.
Q: What are you looking forward to most on your new team/at your new school?
A: Being a part of the brotherhood, from my experience, the team is very close, so I’m excited to make new lifelong friends.
Christian Henry:
Football
Q: Where/What team did you sign with?
A: Norfolk State Spartans
Q: Why did you sign with this team?
A: Because they had my best interest in mind and showed me the most love, also was my first D1 offer
Q: What are you looking forward to most on your new team/at your new school?
A: Getting on the field as a freshman
Samara Williams:
Girls Basketball
Q: Where/What team did you sign with?
A: Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC
Q: Why did you sign with this team?
A: The team and the university give off the family atmosphere I have been looking for.
Q: What are you looking forward to most on your new team/at your new school?
A: I am looking forward to building a bond with my new teammates.
Harmoni Johnson:
Basketball
Q: Where/What team did you sign with?
A: I signed at TCC
Q: Why did you sign with this team?
A: I signed with this school because it is a new and upcoming program, which is great for many new opportunities
Q: What are you looking forward to most on your new team/at your new school?
A: I’m looking forward to getting close with my new team and staff. I’m also looking forward to developing not only as a player on the team but as a person.
Briseis Estrada:
Basketball
Q: Where/What team did you sign with?
A: What: Virginia State University / Where: Ettrick, Virginia, located south of Richmond.
Q: Why did you sign with this team?
A: Because it felt like home, and I loved that they are big on family.
Q: What are you looking forward to most on your new team/at your new school
A: To build a bigger winning culture and continue to win at a higher level
Imani Johnson:
Basketball
Q: Where/What team did you sign with?
A: I signed with the Apprentice School
Q: Why did you sign with this team?
A: I signed with this team because I get to do two things I love, and that is making money and playing basketball.
Q: What are you looking forward to most on your new team/at your new school
A: I am looking forward to learning new things with basketball and in my career path, and creating new bonds with my teammates.
Alaya Monroe-Sutton
Basketball
Q: Where/What team did you sign with?
A: Virginia State University
Q: Why did you sign with this team?
A: The culture and not too far from home. It felt like family when I walked in.
Q: What are you looking forward to most on your new team/at your new school
A: Get as far as possible in the season and meet new people.
