Five seniors from Aubrey High School signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers on the next level Feb. 4.
Abby Turner, Baylee Hampton, Elliott Kinney, Antwon Jones and Kylie Miller were recognized in front of their family, friends and peers in the Aubrey High School gymnasium.
“It was a special moment for those kids,” said Ron Gathright, Aubrey girls’ athletic coordinator and head girls powerlifting coach. “They’ve worked extremely hard and been successful, so to see all the end results of them signing to play at the next level was really awesome to see.”
Cross country state meet competitor Abby signed her letter of intent to attend Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, where she will receive a full athletic scholarship to join the Lady Wranglers cross country team.
“I’m the most excited about being with the team,” she said. “I’ve met the team and the coaches, and I just love the environment, so I’m excited to join them and see how much I can grow.”
She said she plans to study biology but hasn’t decided if she wants to pursue medicine or agriculture.
“I want to thank my parents; they’re my biggest cheerleaders, and then my whole cross country team and my coach,” she said. “They’ve all pushed me and have been there every step of the way.”
Abby’s parents, Mary-Jo and Sam Turner, shared their joy for the moment.
“She’s a great example of never quitting,” Sam said. “… She’d get into the season and things would fall apart for her health-wise, but this year it all came together and she’s really been able to try and reach her full potential, and she’s not done yet.”
All-state volleyball player Baylee signed her letter of intent to attend Tyler College in Tyler, Texas, where she will receive a partial athletic scholarship as one of the newest members of the Lady Hawks volleyball team.
“I’m excited to continue playing volleyball, to meet new people and make new friends,” she said.
Baylee thanked her parents, Danny and Leslie Hampton; her sister, Landry Hampton; Aubrey head volleyball coach Whitney Marriott; and her teammates for helping push her.
“She was a preemie, and I have pictures of her where people were a foot and a half taller than her when she started playing, so just seeing her from then until now has been amazing,” Danny said.
All-district offensive lineman Elliott signed his letter of intent to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where he will receive an athletic scholarship to join the Bulldogs football program.
“After I’m done playing football, I’m deciding between going into law and becoming a lawyer, because I’ve been told I’m really good at arguing, or becoming a coach,” he said.
Elliott thanked his parents, Clover and Brian Kinney.
“They helped build me into the person I am today, and that translated to the football field and into what I hope my teammates will say was a good leader,” he said.
Elliott’s parents expressed their appreciation for the moment.
“I did not want him to play football, but it brought out the very best in him,” Clover said. “… He became a team player and a leader, and we’re really proud of the effort he’s put into both being a good football player and also a great person.”
Multi-sport athlete Antwon signed his letter of intent to attend Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas, on a full scholarship to join the Rangers football team.
“I’m really looking forward to moving out there, starting my college life and starting my future,” he said.
Antwon said he plans to study athletic training, with the goal of one day becoming an athletic trainer or coach.
He thanked his parents, Antoinette Rimmer and Asa Jones, and his family and coaches for their support.
“ Antwon is my firstborn, and it’s been amazing to see him grow over the years from a passionate young boy into an observant young man,” Rimmer said. “… It’s been a journey, but I’m excited for his future.”
All-district volleyball player, Kylie, signed her letter of intent to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello in Monticello, Arkansas, where she will join the Cotton Blossoms volleyball team.
“I’m really looking forward to growing as a player and as a person and building my future,” she said.
Kylie said she plans to study nursing, with the goal of one day becoming a nurse.
She thanked her mom, Brittany Rivers, her coaches and her family for their love and support.
“It’s been a wonderful experience watching her grow and mature as a person and an [athlete],” Rivers said. “I can’t wait to see what the future has for her, and we are so proud of her.”
