One and Done

Maclay Turns Athletic College Signings to Group Signings

Photo by Kim McWilliams/Maclay School

Over half of high school students are associated with a sport during their entire school experience, whether that is an in or out of school team. Only 7% of those athletes continue to play that sport when they go off to college. Some colleges even give offers to student athletes to come play specifically at their school and may give scholarships of tuition to raise the chances of athletes committing. The athletic college commitment process requires multiple steps such as a verbal commitment, written offer from a coach and a signed National Letter of Intent (NLI).

Some highschools participate in an in-school signing ceremony for the athletes to sign either a celebratory letter or the actual NIL to celebrate the student athletes. Maclay has participated in this tradition for their athletes for years, celebrating them for their athletic achievement.

The signing would include the coaches speech, parents and athlete speeches, the actual signing and plenty of time to take pictures with friends, families and teams. This year, for the first time, athletes were forced to have a stacked signing along with other fellow athletes, and their ceremony was rushed and cut short.

“I did not like it so much because then it just felt like your moment was rushed and you couldn't enjoy it as much,” an anonymous Maclay student said. “I think that each signing should be individual or they should have more time to sign.” 

No coaches, parents or athletes were given the opportunity to speak during the ceremony, taking away the special last moment of their high school sports career. These speeches would have been used to commemorate the accomplishments or achievements that the athletes had during their season that the audience might not have seen.

“I think it makes it less special for the person. Last year, it felt more personal because it's just you signing,” an anonymous Maclay student said. “I felt like there wasn't enough time to sit there and enjoy it, and they gave a very brief talk [about the athlete], and I wish there was more time.”

After every signing, the athletes were quickly rushed away from their table to have their college decorations taken down and the next athletes put up. Their new tables would be off to the side of the gym against the walls, lined closely next to other athlete tables, each crowded with people. The only time decorations were up for photos was during the actual signing time.

“I think that they shouldn't have a pre-decided date for you; you should be able to do it on your own schedule,” an anonymous Maclay student said. “Sharing your signing on a panel of people takes away the importance of it. If you work this hard, you shouldn't have to sign with someone else unless you want to.”

Students and athletes, who were looking forward to their friends or their own special day for years, are disappointed about this new change to the signing day. With the new year and a new change in management, Maclay sports is constantly being changed, whether it is for the better or worse is the debate floating the halls.

“I think that coaches and parents and athletes should be able to speak and not have a lack of personal speaking,” an anonymous Maclay student said. “They were switching decorations before the athlete was even ready.”