AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) — On a memorable Wednesday afternoon, three standout athletes from the River Road Lady Cats celebrated a significant milestone in their athletic careers. Reese DeHart, Carolyn Koval, and Ava Sharp, all proud members of the Lady Cats, each signed national letters of intent to continue their sports careers at the collegiate level. Their commitment to volleyball and softball marks not just an accomplishment in their individual journeys, but also a testament to the tight-knit, supportive community that has shaped them into the athletes they are today.
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The signing ceremony, held at River Road High School, was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and community support. Each player reflected on the pivotal role their experiences at River Road have played in their athletic growth. From developing skills on the court and field to building lifelong relationships with coaches and teammates, their journeys have been enriched by a profound sense of belonging.
Reese DeHart: Setting Her Sights on Bethel University Volleyball
Reese DeHart, a standout volleyball player for the Lady Cats, is taking her talents to Bethel University in Kansas. DeHart’s journey to college volleyball is not just about athletic prowess; it’s about the community that has supported her every step of the way. As a player who has contributed greatly to her team’s success, including celebrating a remarkable milestone of 1,000 assists, DeHart’s dedication to the sport has been undeniable. However, for her, the decision to sign with Bethel University was also deeply tied to the familial environment she’s experienced at River Road.
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“It means so much because we have this really tight-knit community,” DeHart said during the signing ceremony. “Everyone does everything, and everyone knows everyone. It’s just a really supportive community.”
Her statement reflects the values that have guided her through her high school years: teamwork, trust, and support. The River Road community, where athletes are not just teammates but part of a larger family, has prepared her well for the challenges of college athletics. DeHart’s volleyball journey is as much about playing the sport as it is about fostering connections with people who will continue to inspire her long after she leaves River Road.
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Bethel University, known for its strong volleyball program, will now be the next chapter in DeHart’s career, where she hopes to not only continue her success on the court but also contribute to the team dynamic that she holds dear. As she embarks on this next chapter, she knows that the foundation of support she’s received from her family, coaches, and community will always remain a guiding force.
Carolyn Koval: A Softball Star Headed to Grayson Community College
Softball player Carolyn Koval is another Lady Cat who is setting her sights on the next level. Koval has signed with Grayson Community College in Denison, Texas, where she will continue her softball career. Like DeHart, Koval attributes much of her success to the strong sense of community fostered at River Road. Throughout her high school years, Koval has thrived under the mentorship of her coaches and the encouragement of her peers.
“The people here, I think they took an impact on me,” Koval said, reflecting on her time at River Road. “The coaches, too. I’m really happy that I had them.”
Koval’s path to Grayson Community College has been marked by determination and a strong work ethic. Her success on the field, coupled with the guidance she’s received from coaches who have pushed her to be her best, has equipped her to take on the challenges of collegiate athletics. Grayson, known for its competitive softball program, will provide Koval with the perfect platform to continue her development as an athlete while continuing to benefit from the tight-knit community she values so highly.
In addition to her skills on the softball field, Koval’s leadership and character have made her a key figure on the Lady Cats team. As she looks ahead to her time at Grayson, Koval is ready to embrace the opportunities that await her while always carrying with her the lessons and values she learned from her time at River Road.
Ava Sharp: Staying Close to Home with West Texas A&M Softball
Ava Sharp, a softball player with an impressive record of success, has chosen to stay close to home and continue her athletic career at West Texas A&M University (WT). Sharp, who has been a standout player for River Road, spoke highly of her decision to sign with the Lady Buffs, attributing much of her choice to the strong connection she feels with the coaching staff at WT.
“I chose WT because the coaching staff is very great,” Sharp explained. “I feel like I have a very good connection with them. They’re very competitive, and they love to win.”
West Texas A&M, located in Canyon, Texas, is renowned for its competitive sports programs, and the softball team is no exception. With a storied history of success in the Lone Star Conference, WT provides Sharp with the opportunity to compete at a high level while remaining close to her roots. The familiarity of the Panhandle, combined with the elite coaching staff at WT, makes it the perfect place for Sharp to continue growing as an athlete and person.
Sharp’s decision to stay in the Panhandle is also a reflection of the importance she places on community. Like her fellow signees, Sharp values the tight-knit relationships she’s formed at River Road and wants to maintain that sense of belonging while pursuing her college career. WT, with its strong team dynamic and focus on building lasting relationships, aligns perfectly with Sharp’s values and aspirations.
A Community that Builds Champions
The signings of DeHart, Koval, and Sharp are more than just individual accomplishments—they are a celebration of the River Road community that has supported these athletes throughout their journeys. From the coaches who’ve guided them to the teammates who’ve become like family, the Lady Cats’ success is a direct result of the foundation of support, encouragement, and camaraderie that defines the River Road experience.
As these three athletes take the next step in their careers, they leave behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to their sport and community. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of strong mentorship, a sense of belonging, and the power of community in shaping successful athletes. While their time at River Road may be coming to an end, their impact on the school and their teammates will be felt for years to come.
In the years ahead, DeHart, Koval, and Sharp will continue to make their mark in the world of college sports, but they will always carry with them the values and lessons learned at River Road. Their journeys are just beginning, but one thing is certain: the River Road Lady Cats have set the stage for continued success, and their future is incredibly bright.
The Lady Cats’ story is not just one of athletic achievement, but one of community, support, and a deep love for the sports they play. It’s a reminder that while talent may win games, it’s the strength of the community behind the athlete that truly shapes a champion.
