Signing Day

Two senior athletes reflect on their Signing Day and their journey behind it.

Reagan Horne, Staff Writer & Nikki Skyer, Sports Editor

Golfer Erica Scutt swings at a ball

Photo by Allison Clough, Special

Erica Scutt

This winter, senior Erica Scutt signed with Austin Peay State University to continue her golfing career in college. Having golfed for the majority of her life, she shares the news with enthusiasm as it marks a major accomplishment in her career. Scutt chose Austin Peay for the four years as a place she would fit in well.

“I immediately fell in love with Austin Peay, everything the school stands for, as well as the coaches,” Scutt said.

Scutt began the sport at four-years-old and immediately fell in love with the game. Throughout her time playing golf, Scutt stayed motivated by setting goals and constantly looking to the future; for her, college golf was always the ultimate goal.

Since her first days, Scott consistently pushed herself through practices and tournaments in order to bring that goal closer.  Her signing day - when she finally able to announce her commitment to a university - marked the achievement of such a long-awaited milestone. Scutt is eager to bring her intense work ethic and undeniable skill into college, so she can play at a new level unlike anything before. 

“I’m looking forward to playing with girls that are more interested in competing, rather than girls who were playing for fun in junior golf. It becomes a lot more serious and important at a collegiate level,” Scutt said.

While she is sad to leave her Northview golf family, especially after the impact of COVID-19 on her junior and senior years, Scutt feels that she learned the most she could from the school program. Girls’ golf coach Lincoln Silver is someone who can attest to her massive improvement throughout her journey at Northview. He is extremely proud of the growth he has seen in Scutt both mentally and physically. As team captain, Scutt worked tirelessly with Silver to communicate to the rest of the team and help out where necessary.

“I really rely on her to serve as a liaison between myself and the girls. She does a lot to keep the team organized and make sure everything runs smoothly,” Silver said.

Silver watched Scutt not only improve her athleticism but continuously work to better herself in all aspects of herself. As she enters her senior season, Scutt hopes to keep improving and continues to encourage her teammates to do the same. The future is bright for Scutt, and her teammates and coaches alike can not wait to see all that she will accomplish.

Senior Emma Wisham sets a ball for her teammate

Photo by Eleanor Virag, Special

Emma Wisham

For volleyball player and future Kentucky Christian University attendee, Emma Wisham, the days leading up to signing day were both energy-consuming and mentally draining as she decided on a major stepping stone for her future. Despite the struggle, she sets an example for other senior athletes still yet to sign by reminiscing on her last season as a Titan. 

“I still have the people, the memories, the friendships, and the coaches, so I know it's not completely over,” Wisham said. 

Wisham’s volleyball journey began as simply a hobby. In eighth grade, however, she began to take her skill and interest to the next level, setting up the sport-centered mindset she currently has. 

Despite her hard work, the stress of Signing Day is enough to take a toll on anyone’s mental health. Wisham is fortunate enough to have the support of both her teammates and her coaches. Christopher James, her coach on Northview’s volleyball team, continues to provide emotional support for his players while he leads them to success. 

“I think you need to be honest with every single player when you’re talking about what college coaches are looking for, [like asking] what's going to put you in the best situation to succeed,” James said.

Under the influence of fellow teammates and coaches, Wisham evolved from a shy freshman to a confident senior who leads her team on the court. 

“[Having somebody] on and off the court is really nice because somebody always has your back and these friendships are born. I've grown as a person surrounding myself around those people is something really nice to look back on,” Wisham said.

 Wisham attributes her growth to the family relationship built by Northview’s girls’ varsity volleyball team. The close friendships that are formed over every year make it easier to open up with one another, easing Wisham’s stress as her signing day approached.

“We all came together as one instead of everybody shutting down,” Wishman said. “All the stress and everything - [the hard work] paid off, which was nice to see.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is transforming the traditional signing process, but it did not stop Wisham’s next step towards her future. The strive and confidence Wisham accumulated from her time at Northview will only further her star when she plays for Kentucky Christian University.