FORT MILL, S.C. — On February 9, 2026, the Copperheads community gathered for a momentous Signing Day, celebrating a large group of student-athletes who have officially committed to continuing their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work and serves as a springboard for these athletes as they transition to various programs across the country.
Baseball Leads the Charge
The Catawba Ridge baseball program saw a significant number of players advance to the next level, including several Division I and regional commitments:
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Bryce Meil: Committed to Wofford College.
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James Carlin: Committed to Francis Marion University.
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Tyler Causey: Committed to Johnson & Wales University.
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Alex Downes: Committed to Rockingham Community College.
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Brayden Hughes: Committed to Brevard College.
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Zach McMahon: Committed to Newberry College.
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Owen Ostrander: Committed to Johnson & Wales University.
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Jack Shelnutt: Committed to Greensboro College.
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Ryan Stukitz: Committed to Clark State College.
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Zach Young: Committed to Robeson Community College.
Strength Across All Programs
Success was not limited to the diamond, as standout athletes from across the school’s sports programs also cemented their futures:
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Football: Connor McFadden (Clemson University) and Darius Sutton (Wingate University) both signed their letters of intent.
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Lacrosse: A strong contingent of four athletes signed to play at the next level: Carleigh Conroy (Lander University), Paige Conroy (Presbyterian College), Selena Davis (Lincoln Memorial University), Caleb Williams (Sewanee University) and Julia McKnight (Southern Wesleyan University).
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Soccer: Three athletes committed to collegiate programs: Emmanuel Livingston (Presbyterian College), Brooks Dority (University of Kansas), Lainey Kilpatrick (Lenoir-Rhyne University), Lizzy Sexton (Lander University) and Nathanael Finley (Lander University).
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Softball: Jaidyn Harris is set to join Furman University, while Mia Kovacs will compete for USC Upstate.
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Track & Cross Country: Aidan Rogers signed with USC Upstate, and Zadie Ann Wilkerson committed to Coker University.
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Volleyball: Leah Okogbenin will be playing for UNC Asheville, Cole Stukitz committed to Wittenbery University.
- Swimming: Ava Pezzuto (Columbia College)
- Tennis: Skylar White (Huntingdon College)
A Legacy of Excellence
The event celebrated not just individual achievements, but the shared dedication of families and coaches who helped these Copperheads reach this peak. As these athletes move on to compete in programs ranging from local South Carolina colleges to out-of-state universities, they continue the tradition of athletic excellence at Catawba Ridge High School.
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