Steinbrenner is known to have some of the best high school athletes in the state. These remarkable athletes are rewarded with scholarship opportunities to a multitude of colleges throughout their high school athletic career. The decision of when to take up these opportunities is entirely up to the student.
Recently an increase in early commitment has begun. These verbal commitments can last up until signing day where athletes have an official commitment contract and become a player on the college’s team. Steinbrenner’s last signing day was November 9 with 9 students-athletes who signed that day.
“It was probably one of the best days of my life…I’ve waited two years to sign this National Letter of Intent which is an official contract to sign you to that school,” said early commitment Florida Atlantic University softball athlete Amelia Iacovino.
Although there has been an increase in early commitment, not everyone believes it is the right decision. Many athletes remain uncommitted until their senior year, some even until the last possible chance to commit.
Committing early is beneficial towards students who get offers from their dream school who have their mind set on where they want to go to school. It also relieves them from the stressful college application process.
Iacovino knew exactly where she wanted to go (FAU), so when she was offered a verbal commitment her sophomore year she was more than happy to accept. Her heart had been set on this school and never considered decommitting. Her senior year she made it official by signing and has no regrets on her early commitment. She believes that if it is the school you have always desired to go to, that early commitment is beneficial because you’re set for college. However, she says people overtime may change their original opinion on their decision and committing early is not always the right choice for everyone.
“I think you mature through high school so you’re opinions may change by let’s say your sophomore to senior year,” said Iacovino.
Another athlete, Cameron Coakley also signed early during junior year to Stetson University for a baseball scholarship. Stetson became interested in Cameron after watching him play during his tournaments and games and later asked him if he wanted to verbally commit. Coakley followed through on his commitment and signed recently. He thinks early commitment is a good idea, but if you decide to hold off you have the potential to gain more offers.
“The offer was perfect and the school was really good, I looked at the school first and saw their baseball team which was pretty good. I didn’t have to hesitate…to commit later you can get more offers, but other than that I don’t really see the benefits,” said Coakley.
Devon Connors plans to sign in February to the Air Force Academy to play football, but prior to this he had verbally committed to FIU. He had always been interested in being able to play football while serving his country, but had received an opportunity from FIU and decided to commit there. Air Force Academy later came back and gave Connors an offer which was what he had always wanted to do, so he decommitted with FIU and committed to the Air Force Academy.
“Early commitment is good as long as it’s somewhere you know you want to go because it’s hard not to want to commit everywhere when you get offers because they make it all awesome and beautiful with the glitz and glamor… I would probably say for most people don’t do it just because you have a lot of options and offers especially after your senior year, I’d tell someone to wait unless your heart is there,” said Connors.
Many students still decide to hold off on committing due to the ability to gain more opportunities and the possible regrets on committing. Although, many students at Steinbrenner do decide on early commitment and usually stand by their decision.
Ariel Cox // Centerspread Editor
