National Signing Day – when athletes commit to playing for a university – is one of the biggest highlights in a prep student-athlete's career. On Nov. 12, five Fairfield seniors gathered in the high school Community Room to celebrate that moment with their family, friends, coaches and teammates.

For a second straight year, all five of the recognized athletes were female. Their names, sport, where they will go, and what they will study are:

• Adelyn Huey: Softball, University of Rio Grande, education
• Madison Miller: Softball, Wilmington College, psychology
• Kennedy Ostendorf: Volleyball, Illinois College, nursing
• Daejah Wagers: Soccer, Mount St. Joseph University, nursing
• Aurora Wallace: Softball, Wilmington College, pre-vet major with minor in environmental sciences

Each athlete was introduced by one of their coaches, then spoke briefly expressing their thoughts and gratitude to their families, coaches and trainers. Afterward, the ladies posed as a group and with their families for photos.

 National Signing Day – traditionally the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for a collegiate sport with a school that is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association – was Nov. 12 for all D1 and D2 sports outside of football or basketball. One of the most exciting moments for a student-athlete is receiving a verbal scholarship offer. However, nothing is official until signing day when athletes sign their financial aid agreement, formerly known as the National Letter of Intent (NLI). This is an agreement between the NCAA and a recruit to guarantee athletic aid.  

In October 2024, the NCAA elected to eliminate the NLI. The NLI has been a major part of the college recruiting process for 60 years, starting in 1964. The NLI was replaced with financial aid agreements between the NCAA and student-athletes.

Traditionally, college football's National Signing Day is the first Wednesday of February. As of 2017, college football has an additional National Signing Day for early signees during the third week of December, meaning recruits have the opportunity to sign with their college team over a month before the regular signing period.

For all photos from the event, go to fairfieldindians.com/galleries.