Ten graduating seniors from Pilot Point High School signed letters of intent to continue their athletic and professional careers on the next level May 13.
Madelynne Alden, Jackson Burgess, Kaelyn Chaney, Daiyton DeLeon, Peytyn Goodin, Jason Knight, Michael Marsh, Hunter Newman, Ava Smith and Ayleen Vicencio were honored in front of their family, friends and peers in the high school’s gymnasium as they signed their letters of commitment.
Alden will attend Texas A&M University, where she will join the Aggies’ equestrian team led by head coach Tana McKay, who led the program to its first SEC Championship in March.
Alden shared her excitement for the moment.
“I’m honored to be the second person from Pilot Point to join this amazing team, and it’s crazy to me that we’ve been able to produce two athletes there,” she said. “I’m so glad that I get to be together with Cara [Christensen], and it’s crazy that we’re going to make history together.”
Burgess, who was a member of the Bearcats wrestling program, will join the United States Coast Guard, where he plans to focus on maritime law enforcement.
“This moment is very special and a big sign that my life is about to change,” he said. “I’ve been here in Pilot Point my entire high school career, and I’m ready to do something new. … I’m going into a new chapter, and a new beginning is about to blossom.”
Chaney will attend Northeast Texas Community College, where she will join the Lady Eagles soccer program led by head coach Dillon Williams.
Chaney, who is the first-ever signee from Pilot Point’s soccer program, said she was glad she could help lay the foundation for the team’s future.
“This means a lot to me because I never thought it would happen, but I’m glad that I got to show everyone that soccer is a good sport,” she said. “We’re a young program, so I’m also glad I got help introduce some of my teammates to it, and I’m excited to see what they do [next], and I can’t wait to see more people sign to play soccer in the future.”
DeLeon will attend Southern Nazarene University, where she plans to study pre-medicine and join the Crimson Storms’ cross country and track teams.
“I’m so excited to extend my running career at SNU,” she said.
Goodin will attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she plans to study biology/ health sciences and join the Roos track program.
Goodin, who leaves Pilot Point as one of Lady Cats’ most decorated sprinters, shared her excitement.
“I’m [thrilled] I get to continue my academic and athletic career at the Division I level,” she said.
Knight signed his contract to join the United States Navy, where he plans to study nuclear engineering and hopes to be a supervisor at a power plant in the future.
“I’m ready to start a new branch of life, and the Navy is going to be very exciting,” he said.
Marsh signed his letter of intent to attend East Central University, joining the Tigers’ track and field program.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my running career at ECU, where I plan to major in kinesiology and work towards becoming an [athletic] coach,” he said.
Newman, who also lettered in multiple sports for the Bearcats, will join his teammate, Marsh, in attending East Central University as a new member of the Tigers track and field team.
Newman said he plans to study kinesiology and one day become an athletic coach.
Smith signed her letter of intent to attend Dallas Baptist University, where she will join the Lady Patriots’ cross country and track and field teams.
Smith, who leaves Pilot Point as one of the Lady Cats’ most decorated long-distance runners, shared her excitement.
“I am ecstatic to continue my running career at the collegiate level,” she said. “DBU is a great school and program, and I’m ready to be a part of it.”
Vicencio, who was the goalkeeper for the Lady Cats’ soccer team, signed her contract to join the United States National Guard with the goal of one day becoming a sonograph technician.
“I’m excited to be the first one in my family to serve my country and thrilled to see what comes next,” she said.
