Five Lady Bulldogs sign with four-year universities

On Thursday, March 5, family, friends and teammates gathered for a signing ceremony on the Ridgeland Campus to celebrate five Lady Bulldogs signing to play at the next level. 

"These players are a perfect example of the great things that are going on at Holmes Community College," Head Coach Matt Convertino said. "It is due to their hard work and efforts that this program continues to excel and move forward. We are very excited to watch these young ladies at the next level and each of them deserve this recognition."

"We are very proud of these players signing to continue their academic and athletic journeys," Associate Head Coach Wesley Noble said. "These girls have represented Holmes both on and off the field in the highest way possible. I know they will each be successful at their new schools. We will really miss this class!"

Players who signed included: Kya Davis, Zoe Ellis, Halleigh Steed, Alysia Terry and Isabella Wade.

Kya Davis signed with Jacksonville State University, which is Division 1 and in the Ohio Valley Conference. Davis started in every match during her two years at Holmes. She was an All-Conference selection both her freshmen and sophomore year. As a freshman, she played as a center midfielder and as a sophomore played as a center back.

"My two years at Holmes were definitely something to remember," Davis said. "The coaching staff was great, and I have gained lifelong friends. This group of girls worked so hard for what we accomplished this year and it feels great to go out as a state and region champion. To anyone who is thinking of coming to Holmes, I would tell you this is a wonderful school and program that will develop you not only as a player but as a person too."

Zoe Ellis signed with the University of North Alabama, which is a Division 1 school in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Ellis is the second all-time leading scorer in Holmes' history. She was an All-Region XXIII selection in 2018 and 2019.  She also won the 2019 North Division All-Star Most Valuable Player Award. Her freshman season, she was awarded the Golden Boot Award and her sophomore season she was the Most Valuable Offensive Player.

"I knew I was meant to be at Holmes when I came on my tour my senior year," Ellis said. "I felt at home as soon as I stepped foot on campus. The girls I met made me feel as though I belonged and that I would fit right in. I also felt as though Wesley could help me improve as a player and get me prepared to play D1 level, which has always been a dream of mine and he did just that. For anyone who is trying to reach one of their goals, Holmes is the place for you. These coaches will push you and mentor you to be the best you can be, and there will be no sugarcoating. That's what I liked best. The girls you play with will always have your back no matter what and will make you feel at home from the day you sign the paper.  One of my best life decisions was to play here at Holmes."

Halleigh Steed signed with the University of West Alabama, a Division 2 school in the Gulf South Conference. Steed was awarded Most Improved Player her freshmen season. She had a huge sophomore season, where she won Most Valuable Defensive Player as well as an All-Conference selection.

"I chose Holmes because of the family feel that it had," Steed said. "I felt like I could really improve here and the girls were so welcoming. I grew so much over my two years here as a player and a person. I truly believe that this was the best choice for me and I honestly wish Holmes was a four-year school. To the players who are deciding where to continue their academics and athletics, I would tell you there really is no place like Holmes and if you do make a great decision and come here enjoy every second of it because the time goes by way too fast."

Alysia Terry signed with Belhaven University, a Division 3 school in the American Southwest Conference. Terry "aka Noo Noo" was team captain for the Lady Bulldogs in 2019.  She was awarded the Leadership Award both her freshman and sophomore year, and was the first player to ever do so. She was also a 2020 Holmes Hall of Fame selection as well as a part of Phi Theta Kappa.

"I knew I wanted to improve my quality of play and when I met Wesley, I knew he would help me with that," Terry said. "My two years at Holmes were the absolute best. Between my teammates and coaches, it made me wish it was a four-year school. We were able to accomplish so much and make history.  Speaking to the future Lady Bulldogs, if you want to play at a place that helps you grow as a player and person then Holmes is the place for you! You will make relationships with people that will be family by the end of your two years and also get to excel on the field. There is no better feeling than that!"

Isabella Wade signed with Delta State University, which is a Division 2 school in the Gulf South Conference. Wade was an All-Conference Player her freshmen season.  She compiled 15 goals and 6 assists in her two years for the Lady Bulldogs.

"When I first chose Holmes, I never imagined I would love it as much as I have," Wade said. "These past two years were so fun and the feeling of winning state and region with my sisters is a feeling I cannot describe. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I made lifelong friends and experienced something that I could not have anywhere else. To the next class of Lady Bulldogs, cherish your time here, it goes by super quick."

Two other Lady Bulldogs, Peyton Montgomery and Ja'Laycia Brown, have committed to play but were not able to take part in the signing ceremony.