O
n the first Wednesday of February, student-athletes nationwide gather with their families, friends and coaches to
publicly display which college they will be playing for when they graduate high school.
National Signing Day is the first day a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for college
football or soccer.
Mansfield ISD held its signing day celebration on Feb. 1 at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. The day
included students from all sports who have officially committed to play at the collegiate level.
Athletic Director Philip O’Neal said signing day is not only a celebration of these athletes’ accomplishments; it is also
about the academic component that lies underneath.
“Signing day is an important day in the lives of student-athletes who are looking to further their playing and academic
careers,” said O’Neal. “A majority of athletes don’t go on to the professional level, so the academics portion of it
is more important. You have to perform well in the classroom to receive a scholarship, and we’re excited that these
students are using athletics as the vehicle to further their education.”
The students in attendance earned approximately 10 million dollars in total scholarships and were excited to see that
the hours of practice and studying were well worth it.
Early signing days were held in November for sports such as volleyball, basketball, golf, softball and soccer. More
signing days will be held later in the spring.
Mansfield School & Family 13