Spread out through the school year, North Central hosts Letter of Intent signing ceremonies for their very own student-athletes.
North Central hosts these ceremonies three times a year. This school year, student athlete signing dates have been held on Nov 20 and Feb 11, and there will be a third signing day on Apr 13.
The athletic department at NC takes great pride in these events. Assistant Director of Athletics, Azjah Bass, spoke very highly of signing day.
When prompted about the impact signing day has on the culture of North Central athletics, Bass explains the role hard work and dedication play in building culture.
“I think it’s a huge part of our younger kids, whether it’s on the same team, in a different sport, realizing that if they put in the time, the sacrifice, there’s definitely the opportunity to capitalize and continue at the next level,” Bass said.
One of these student athletes, senior Shneider Pierre, signed at the most recent signing ceremony on Feb 11. Pierre has officially committed to play college football at Saint Mary of the Woods College, where he will continue to play the defensive back position.
Signing day means a lot to many of these student-athletes. For Pierre, signing day is about recognizing their accomplishments and the people who are there.
“It’s really impactful because it’s a day to celebrate yourself and your achievements, sit down and realize everything that you have done to lead up to committing to a college,” Pierre said.
Pierre, a late junior year transfer from New York, describes his time at NC as different to his prior experiences.
“I was from New York, so it was a really different program, and It really benefited me because I was going against some of the best… it just made me better as a whole. It’s made me a better player, a better person, and I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful for what NC in general has done for me,” Pierre said.
Senior Jaden Wakefield also signed on Feb 11. Alongside Pierre, Wakefield committed to play college football at Saint Mary of the Woods College. Wakefield was co-captain of the football team.
“The most exciting thing about signing day is [having] all my family and friends come together to see me pursue my football career at the next level,” Wakefield said.
Wakefield recalls the Panthers Week 1 win over Brebeuf this past season as his favorite memory being an athlete at NC. Wakefield gives significant credit to his coaches and the athletic department for his development.
“He [Coach Coffer] has helped me develop leadership abilities and to fight through adversity,” Wakefield said.
One thing Bass covered was the amount of support the athletes had received along their journey to play their sport at the next level.
“I think what was really evident this year is the amount of friends that came out and supported…It was entourages of friends from different walks of life. The diversity is huge from different sports that are cheering on each other. And so that’s a very special, special thing,” Bass said.
