Student-Athletes Sign Commitment Letters at SUA Signing Day
By Audrey Lorigan ‘25
February 10, 2025
TOLEDO, OH. - St. Ursula Academy held a signing day on Wednesday, Feb. 5, marking a significant milestone for multiple student-athletes.
Signing day is a special event where student-athletes officially commit to playing sports at the collegiate level. They sign a letter of intent, often with their family and friends present, and celebrate their achievements and future plans.
“(Signing day is) an opportunity to celebrate student-athletes at St. Ursula who have decided they want to continue their athletic career,” said Michael Donnelly, the Athletic Director at SUA.
Mr. Donnelly stressed the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication student-athletes put into their sport.
Two students, Emma Myers and Hayden Bates, participated in signing day on February 5. Myers signed with The University of Findlay for golf, and Bates signed with Marian University, Wisconsin for soccer.
Hayden Bates and Emma Myers sign commitment letters to their chosen universities. Photo Courtesy of Maddie Tatum
Signing day can mean something different for every athlete. When discussing what signing day meant for her, Bates described signing day as an “I did it” moment. She expressed that the event was relieving, especially after facing difficulties her senior year of high school.
Bates had undergone two knee surgeries due to an injury that caused her to miss her entire senior season. She expressed that, at the time, the injury caused her to wonder if she would ever get to play soccer again.
As a result, signing day was an opportunity for Bates to appreciate the fact that she still gets to continue playing the sport she is passionate about in college, despite going through hard times.
“I can still play soccer and do what I love even though I’ve had these setbacks,” said Bates.
The signing day ceremony at St. Ursula Academy not only marked the beginning of the next chapter for these student-athletes, but also served as an inspiration to their peers. The event demonstrated that having perseverance and putting in hard work is always worth it in the end.
