Godwin held its first signing day last year.  Signing day gives athletes a chance to be recognized and honored for earning the opportunity to play a collegiate sport.

During this year’s signing day, eight seniors signed their letters of intent: A.B. Rhodes (football), Bailey Hall (swimming), Brett Barden (swimming), Dorothy Reilly (swimming), Jacob Kessler (basketball), Jessie Gvozdas (swimming), Owen Hadd (swimming), and Patrick Hagerman (soccer).

Rhodes will play football at James Madison University.  “I committed in front of my team after our first day of two-a-days.  After my visit, I wanted to commit right away but my head coach suggested that I should wait a week to make sure it wasn’t just the visit high that you usually get afterwards… It turned out not to be.  JMU had the best of both worlds… It’s a strong academic institution as well as having a competitive football program that wins championships,” said Rhodes.

Hall will be swimming at William and Mary.  “As soon as I set foot on campus I felt really comfortable there, like I was home. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. I went on an official visit to William and Mary back in September, and I actually verbally committed while I was still on the trip.  Since I’ve been swimming competitively for so long, competing in college had always been a goal of mine.  I feel so lucky that I have the opportunity to realize this goal at William and Mary,” said Hall.

Like Hall, Barden will be swimming at William and Mary.  “The team atmosphere of William and Mary really impressed me, and when I went on my official visit in September, I knew that I wanted to go there.  I knew that William and Mary was the right school for me because my dad went there, so I grew up going down there a lot,” said Barden.

Reilly will be swimming at George Mason.  “I wanted to choose a school that has a competitive swim program and majors that involved biology or forensic science.  I had always known that I wanted to swim in college, but I never thought I would’ve had the amazing opportunity to sign!” said Reilly.

Kessler will be playing basketball at Army.  “When I visited the campus, I knew it was right for me.  It has such great opportunities after college as well as a great coaching staff and team.  It was a great experience to be able to sign with my friends and their families and share this special day,” said Kessler.

Gvozdas will be swimming at the University of Virginia.  “I fell in love with the team and the school itself, not to mention it is a very prestigious school where I will get a great education.   I was really excited to be able to take part in signing day this year since the swimmers haven’t been able to participate in it in years past. It was a really cool experience to have my fellow classmates and teachers see me sign to my college,” said Gvozdas.

Hadd will be swimming at Old Dominion University.  “I’ve been swimming for over 11 years now and have worked very hard to achieve my goal of swimming in college.  When I went on my recruiting trip to ODU, the team made me feel as if it was the place for me,” said Hadd.

Hagerman will be playing soccer at Georgia Southern.  “The atmosphere and location of the university played a huge role in my decision.  From the beginning I felt welcomed.  The signing day experience at Godwin was amazing.  They took excellent care of the athletes.  I’m proud that I could sign with such a great group of students and athletes,” said Hagerman.