by Shawn Nowlin
When a high school student-athlete signs their national letter of intent, they are essentially entering into a binding contract with a college or university in which they receive financial aid for their commitment.
According to data collected by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), less than three percent of high school students earn scholarships to play in college. Throughout the Roanoke Valley are dozens of teenagers who recently joined that exclusive club.
While Seton Hall University and other schools wanted her in their program, William Fleming senior Amari Worsham chose to commit to Liberty University.
Said LU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Alexis Sherard on his incoming recruit, “Amari is truly a student of the game of basketball and lives for the big moments. She has a high basketball IQ and the ability to create offense for herself and teammates.”
Echoing that sentiment, Fleming Head Coach Richard Wilson said, “Amari has been an absolute pleasure to coach over the past couple of years. She always puts the team first and does whatever it takes to help us win. She is a high-character player who battles through injuries, leads by example, and embodies everything you want in an athlete. She’s going to do amazing things at the next level – truly a special kid.”
North Cross seniors Ja’ziel Hart, Jase Rhodes and Nathan Hayes recently signed their national letters of intent to play football at UNC-Chapel Hill, James Madison University and Elon University, respectively.
Rhodes, the son of a former Norfolk State University football standout, is a two-time 1st Team All-State performer capable of playing both the defensive back and wide receiver positions.
Hayes, an offensive and defensive lineman, is a three-time 1st Team All-State selectee. Hart, the state’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, is also a multiple-time, all-state performer.
The childhood friends, who collectively led the Raiders to three state championships in the last four years, will graduate early to start their next life chapter in January.
With so much talent exiting the program, one would think that North Cross’ cup would be bare next season. DeMarcus Brown, a junior who committed to UVA over Oklahoma and Vanderbilt, is expected to take the reins next season.
Fellow North Cross senior Tristan Lange will be playing baseball at Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall. Aside from the aforementioned names, additional students throughout the area will also be continuing their athletic careers come fall.
Two months ago, the NCAA eliminated the NLI process. Moving forward, financial agreements between the NCAA and student-athletes will solely take place instead.
