A wave of Nation Ford High School standout athletes officially traded their Falcons jerseys for collegiate colors Wednesday, as 13 seniors gathered in the gymnasium to sign their national letters of intent.
The ceremony, a culmination of years of rigorous training and competition in the Fort Mill community, featured a heavy presence from the football program, which saw eight players finalize their commitments to programs across the Southeast and Midwest.
Leading the charge for the football team were Malachi Drayton, who is headed to the FBS level with UNC Charlotte, and Kason Canupp, who signed to play at Anderson University. The Falcons’ depth was on full display as teammates Patience Andrews (Wingate), Mason Bucciero (Hampden-Sydney), Isaiah Johnson (McPherson College), Camren Huor (Averett), Ja’Karee Chisholm (Averett University), and JaMari Gore (North Greenville University) all made their collegiate choices official.
Beyond the gridiron, the Falcons celebrated diversity across their athletic departments:
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Vance Matthews, a cornerstone of the Nation Ford defense, signed to play lacrosse for Hope College in Michigan.
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Camron Magyar will take his talents to the mat, joining the wrestling program at Colorado Northwestern.
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Sophia Banzon is bound for the Bronx, signing with Fordham University for soccer.
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Ella Witkopf solidified her future on the diamond with Montreat College softball.
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Jaeya Carter rounded out the afternoon’s honorees, signing to join the dance team at the University of South Carolina Upstate.
