11 Copperas Cove athletes sign letters of intent for college sports

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

“Every year in Texas, there’s a little over 800,000 athletes in Texas that participate in high school sports, but only an elite 7% earn the opportunity to continue to play the sport they love at the collegiate level,” said athletic director Cari Lowery. “I could not be more proud of these athletes sitting right here.”

This Wednesday, 11 talented athletes participated in a college signing event at the Copperas Cove High School gym.

For softball, Laila Lacapra signed with LeTourneau University.

For track, Steve Deleon signed with Kansas Wesleyan.

For track, Daevion Phillips signed with Indiana Tech.

For football, Darius Milo signed with Texas Wesleyan.

For football, Anthony King signed with West Texas A&M.

“I’m really excited about it,” said King. “I’m ready to make an impact for the team.”

For football, Arthur Miller Jr. signed with Angelo State.

For football, James Marshall signed with Navarro College.

For football, Don Ramos signed with the University of St. Mary.

For football, Cameron Tuiasosopo signed with Trinity Valley Community College

Cameron Tuiasosopo is excited to be attending the same college as his twin sister, Chloe Tuiasosopo.

He said that he is excited to attend Trinity Valley, “It felt like home. It felt like Copperas Cove, just a little better…It’s an amazing opportunity.”

Tuiasosopo said that he’s really excited to get to continue playing football in college.

“Football is just another platform for me to share my faith…and give glory to God,” said Tuiasosopo. “It’s also fun to hit people.”

For volleyball, Chloe Tuiasosopo signed with Trinity Valley Community College.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing college volleyball,” said Tuiasosopo. “I love being around my friends, the teachers, and the coaches…They’re always encouraging me to do my best…I love being around people who love volleyball, and I love hearing the crowd cheering.”

Chloe Tuiasosopo also said that she was excited to be going to the same college as her twin. Like her brother, Tuiasosopo also thanked Jesus for her success.

For volleyball, Jaica Donaldson signed with Richland College.

Donaldson has already managed to overcome various injuries throughout her athletic career. She said that it was really emotional getting to sign on Wednesday, especially with Coach Christy Thompson, who is also her mom, there alongside her.

“I don’t know too many people who have fought through two knee surgeries to get what they want, but that says a lot about her character,” said Coach Thomspon. “I’m so proud of her.”

“The journey was very hard for me mentally, but it helped me to see a different side of things and it helped me get to where I am now,” said Donaldson.