By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer
garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
Six Woodruff High School athletes, encompassing six different sports, signed college scholarships to continue their athletic careers at the next level. The signing, held on May 1, will be the final college signing ceremony held at the current Woodruff High School.
Below are the six Wolverines who signed, along with why they chose their respective schools.
Kayden Barnaby Signs with USC-Sumter for Baseball
Kayden Barnaby (Baseball)
Kayden Barnaby has been a stalwart for the Wolverines’ baseball program for the past four years, setting records for stolen bases in a season and in a career, as well as for career runs scored, while playing sterling defense at shortstop. Kayden signed to play college baseball for USC-Sumter.
“When I went down (to USC-Sumter) it felt like a family to me,” Barnaby said. “All the coaches were really comfortable with me. It felt like somewhere I could call home. Breaking all the (WHS) records is the biggest accomplishment I have ever had, and I saw the other day one of (USC-Sumter’s) players had set their stolen base record, so I want to go down there and break that.”
Rachel Hayes Continues Wrestling Career at Newberry College
Rachel Hayes (Wrestling)
Rachel Hayes became the second female wrestler from Woodruff to sign a college scholarship and will compete for Newberry College. Hayes ranks 13th on the all-time career wins list, against male and female wrestlers combined, with 107 victories. She was a multi-time state qualifier for the Wolverines.
“I went to camps (at Newberry) since I was a freshman, and it felt like home there,” said Hayes. “I feel like I can really grow there. I feel like this shows our younger female wrestlers that you can go to college and wrestle.”
Nathan Kelly Signs with USC-Union for Soccer
Nathan Kelly (Soccer)
Nathan Kelly signed to play soccer for USC-Union. Kelly, the Wolverines’ reserve keeper, has taken on a larger role down the stretch for Woodruff and has the opportunity now to continue playing beyond high school.
Nathan was one of the heroes in Woodruff’s Hollywood-esque victory over Chapman to help set up the Wolverines’ third region title in four years when he saved three out of four penalty kicks to clinch the win.
“USC-Union is a nice place to develop (as a player), and they gave me a chance to continue playing soccer,” said Kelly. “It means a lot to continue playing. I never thought I would have the chance to go this far. But God gave me the opportunity to play college soccer, so I’m going to take it as far as I can.”
Kylie Miller Signs with Presbyterian College for Cheer
Kylie Miller (Cheer)
Kylie Miller has been a key member of the Woodruff competitive cheerleading team for the past four years and signed to continue competing for Presbyterian College. Miller is a hard worker and is grateful to have a chance to continue pursuing her passion for cheer at the collegiate level.
“I just felt very at home (with Presbyterian) as soon as I walked in,” Miller said. “I felt very comfortable with the girls, and they were all very welcoming. I think they made it less about competition and more about having a good time on the mat while still having the urge to win. That is what I was really looking for. I have learned so much from cheer and competing in college; I can learn so much more.”
Carlee Walters Signs Volleyball Scholarship with Spartanburg Methodist College
Carlee Walters (Volleyball)
Carlee Walters was a key member of the Lady Wolverines’ volleyball team for the past three years and signed her scholarship to play at Spartanburg Methodist College. A versatile player, Walters was a leader on and off the court for the Lady Wolverines and will take her talents and tenacity up the road to Spartanburg, where she will compete for the Lady Pioneers.
“I feel like SMC is more than just a college,” said Walters. “I felt like I was family already when I visited. It means a lot to be able to continue playing volleyball. I always wanted to do this since I was little, and getting the opportunity to do that is really special.”
Corey Fortner Signs with USC-Salkehatchie for Softball
Corey Fortner (Softball)
Corey Fortner has battled multiple injuries the past two years, but the tough and gritty softball player will be able to continue her career on the field after signing with USC-Salkehatchie. Fortner is grateful for a chance to continue playing after missing many games due to her injuries as a Lady Wolverine.
“USC-Salkehatchie is like a small hometown feel,” said Fortner. “I already have a cousin going there, and they have a really good team. Very close-knit. It’s a great feeling to be able to continue playing because I came back from my ACL injury, then had more injuries right after that. It feels good knowing I can get those two years back I missed.”
