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LEVEL UP: Detailing some of this week’s biggest commitments
Independence Day has come and gone, but recruiting season is still in full force.
Some of the most well-established collegiate programs are staking their claim for the best that Texas has to offer
So, in case you were too busy grilling or shooting off fireworks, here are just some of the top local athletes who have recently committed to play at the collegiate level.
Tice Williams, Conroe Football
Jackson DiPasquale (VYPE)
Conroe’s three-star defensive-back, Tice Williams, put up some big numbers in his junior campaign. Paired with the number of camps he attended throughout the year, it’s no surprise that Williams accrued offers from several big names in college football -- Oregon State, Air Force, UNT, Texas State and many others.
However, after much deliberation, the incoming senior for Conroe football ultimately decided to land on one of the contenders in the group of five conferences -- Boise State University.
Carleigh Schluter, Concordia Lutheran Volleyball
Concordia Lutheran volleyball will look even better this upcoming season with the addition of Class of 2025 setter Carleigh Schluter.
The recent Klein Collins-transfer will be heading onto the court with more confidence than ever, now that she is officially committed to play for Sam Houston State volleyball at the conclusion of her high school career.
Everett Champlin, The Woodlands Football
Jackson DiPasquale (VYPE)
Having been on the TWHS varsity team since his sophomore year, Everett Champlin has seen his production increase through each season.
Champlin's strength and quick feet from the offensive tackle spot have garnered the attention of several collegiate programs, including Air Force, Texas State and Dartmouth.
Like two other TWHS offensive linemen, Champlin will be heading into this Fall officially committed, now that he has decided to take his talents to Army.
Sanaa Donaie, Goose Creek Memorial Volleyball
Incoming junior Sanaa Donaie will continue to be a game-wrecker for GCM, from the middle-blocker position.
When she's not playing for Memorial, she continues to play volleyball for her club team -- Absolute Volleyball Academy.
Evidently, her dedication to the sport and remarkable athleticism caught the attention of some big names, but it seemed like an easy choice for Donaie, who has decided to play for LSU when she graduates in 2025.
Breylan Thompson, Episcopal Football
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
As one of the commanders of Episcopal’s defense, combined with his campus presence as the Class President, it goes without saying that Breylan Thompson is well known.
That recognition carried over into the recruitment process as Thompson held offers from Ivy League schools such as Princton, Harvard, Penn and Dartmouth to other exceptional programs -- Lamar, SHSU, Air Force and Army.
But, “Mr. President” decided to take his talents to Yale once he’s completed his final season with Episcopal.
Samara Coleman, Grand Oaks Volleyball
Given the list of accolades -- District 13-6A Offensive Player of the Year and GHVCA 6A Newcomer of the Year titles in 2022, it was only a matter of time before junior Samara Coleman landed on a college to play for.
The Grizzlies can tally another one of their stars as a future college athlete, with Coleman's recent commitment to the University of Pittsburgh.
Grand Oaks volleyball is looking even deadlier.
MR. PRESIDENT: Episcopal’s Thompson raking in offers
Episcopal High is home to a leader in every sense of the word.
While Class of 2024’s Karson Gordon powers the offense as the signal-caller, fellow senior Breylan Thompson has been the one commanding the Knights’ lock-down defense.
Given his proclivity to disrupt the pass, and his dual-threat capability from both the corner and safety positions, Thompson has been turning heads from colleges across the nation.
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Ranging from several Ivy League schools such as Princeton, Harvard, Penn and Dartmouth, to an array of other exceptional programs like -- Sam Houston State, Lamar, Air Force and Army -- the offers continue to roll in for this Episcopal talent.
“It’s a blessing,” said Thompson. “A big part of the reason I work so hard on the field is to open doors of opportunity in life as a whole, and vice versa. I work hard in the classroom to make sure I have the grades to play for any institution. I’ve always valued academics so having the opportunity to get the highest level of education is truly a gift.”
In addition to putting in the work on the field and in the classroom, Thompson also conveys his commitment to his future via his role as Episcopal’s Class President.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I’d be lying if I told you it was easy, but I would also be lying if I told you it wasn’t worth it,” he said. “Episcopal has done so much for me in my time there, and I ran for student body President to ultimately return the favor. There’s a lot on my plate with sports and recruitment, but learning to manage my responsibilities now will definitely prepare me for later in life.”
Speaking of commitment, Thompson has yet to officially decide where he intends to go when he graduates a year from now. But, with all the offers he’s already received, and the ones that will inevitably come, his dreams may soon turn into reality.
“Initially I wanted to make a decision prior to the season but I wanted to give myself a little more time to make such a big decision,” Thompson said. “I’ll probably end up making my decision either during the season, or some time right after."
"Growing up, my dream school was always Stanford or Duke -- two high level institutions that also have high level athletics. I always wanted to play football and go to school somewhere where athletics and academics were top tier, and those two schools are just that.”
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
The Fall season will be here before you know it. So, expect “Mr. President” Breylan Thompson to maintain his high-level of play as he represents Episcopal one last time.
“Episcopal has completely changed my life and has opened so many doors of opportunity. EHS has introduced me to important people that have impacted my life,” he said. “It’s given me the chance to learn and study at a high level, while also giving me access to resources and facilities to become a better athlete.”
“Episcopal has helped me become such a well-rounded person and that’s a large part of the reason I am where I am today.”