Despite online learning, the stressful college admissions process has gone on as it has in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. For student-athletes, this means that they must also consider signing with a school to play their designated sport in college. Seniors Maelyn Eversole and Daniel Cunningham are two student-athletes who have already signed with colleges. Eversole has signed with Christopher Newport University (CNU), where she will play lacrosse. 

“I signed for Christopher Newport University because it allowed me to have a healthy balance between academics and sports,” said Eversole. “While visiting, the people at the university were nice, the campus was very pretty, and the team made me feel extremely welcome. I was deciding between Christopher Newport and a couple of other D3 schools in Virginia, and CNU was the one that I was most excited at the possibility of playing at.” 

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment was still a difficult process. 

“The recruitment process is long and difficult,” said Eversole. “It took a trip to the university, a finalization of my academics, and the coach coming to observe me many times  before I was made an offer.”

Cunningham’s recruitment process was quite similar to Eversole’s. 

“I sent Dennison my film, and they invited me to their campus in June,” said Cunningham. “I went and visited, and they gave me an offer. I committed around Christmas time.”

Before signing, both student-athletes underwent much preparation. Eversole prepared to play as a midfielder that is attack-leaning at CNU. 

“Leading up to signing, I played lacrosse for seven years, and for five of those years, I played for three seasons a year,” said Eversole. “I also played for two separate teams (travel and high school) at that time.”

Cunningham prepared to play football as a kicker at Denison University (DU).

“I’ve been playing soccer for my whole life, which is super helpful for my position as the kicker on the football team,” said Cunningham. “I’ve played for the high school team since my sophomore year.”

Now that Cunningham is committed, he has aspirations for his new team.

“My goal for when I get to Denison is for us to win our conference all four years that I am there,” said Cunningham. 

Although the recruitment process may have been demanding, both Cunningham and Eversole can now look forward to having a new college and team to join as they enter the next major stage of their lives.

“I am looking forward to making close relationships with the people on my team and being in a positive and competitive environment,” said Eversole.