Wednesday was national signing day. Arkansas received commits from players all across the country in various sports, but none more exciting than the ones from right here in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.
Farmington softball player Oakley Sisemore fulfilled her dream of playing for the Razorbacks. The Hogs program has only been in existence for less than 20 years, but already making strides. Arkansas has made the NCAA tournament each of the last two years. The center fielder is ready to help make them even better.
“I'm just thrilled to go at this high a level of softball and be able to carry on what I love to do at the next level,” said Sisemore. “To see they are a successful program and they are going to go somewhere in the future, I'm excited to be a part of that and to see where I can go."
Madison Edwards of Alma also signed a letter of intent to swim for the Hogs.
The Arkansas baseball team gets its own local signee. Kyle Pate from Fayetteville signed with the Diamond Hogs as did Mark Clark from Southside. Pate was the Most Outstanding Player of the 7A State Tournament last spring, capturing the state title. Clark set a school record with 11 home runs last year and batted a remarkable .414. Clark plays center field and Arkansas graduated a few outfielders last season. Perhaps it’s a chance for him to play as a rookie.
“I chose Arkansas because I like the facilities,” said Clark. “Nice facilities, nice coaches. I like the coaches. I've always wanted to be a Hog since the day I was born and finally my dream is coming true.”
Other Southside players also signed letters. Tyler Gray is staying in town, going to UA-Fort Smith. Jordan Lawrence signed with Division II Ouachita Baptist. Breenen Dooly and Kory Pollard will keep playing together. Both signed with junior college Eastern Oklahoma State.
Spiro shortstop Hunter Wilson signed with Stephen F. Austin Wednesday to continue his baseball career. The Lumberjacks are a division-I school that competes in the Southland Conference along with UCA.
A pair of Fort Smith products will join forces to play at volleyball at Arkansas State next year. Northside's Nicole Knight and Southside's Drew Jones both signed their national letters of intent with the Red Wolves. Jones led Southside to the 7A state championship last month and was named the state's player of the year on Wednesday.
Mansfield Kaylie Pyles led the Lady Tigers to back-to-back 3A volleyball championships and she signed with Henderson State college on Wednesday.
Northside guard Jillian Myers signed with Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Myers helped the Lady Bears win the 7A state championship last season.
Four Siloam Springs athletes signed letters. Volleyball players Beth Brankle and Bailei Brown will be attending John Brown University. Shelby Crawley will go to the University of Central Missouri on a golf scholarship. Haley Hunt will be going to Central Methodist University to play softball.
Greenwood has a duo of basketball players who will play against each other next season. Lundon Williams signed with Harding University. Haleigh Henson inked with Henderson State.
If you know of other local players who signed letters of intent, please let us know so they can get their due recognition. You can email chris.breece@kfsm.com with the information.