National Signing Day brings reflections, new beginnings
Click the photo above to start a slideshow with captions full of information about moments from the National Signing Day event at Prosper’s Children’s Health Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Five senior athletes signed commitment letters to play college sports.
Coach Brandon Schmidt, Mandy Weaver and others offered these additional notes about the event:
Jackson Berry:
Jackson Berry signed to play football as a quarterback at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah next year. In his high school career, Berry has achieved 5,282 career passing yards, 55 passing touchdowns, 65% completion percentage, 747 career rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. Berry is Prosper High School’s all-time touchdown leader and plans to still add to that record. He made the 2019 academic all-district, and the 2019 first-team all-district quarterback. Berry is a two-year team captain and a three-year varsity letterman as well.
“Jackson is tough, hyper-competitive, arrogant and sometimes struggles with keeping his mouth shut,” said head football coach Brandon Schmidt. “There is no one that we would rather have taking the snaps.”
“I’m super excited,” Berry said. “I’m happy for me and all my friends that signed today. I’m pretty much just super excited. I didn’t have too many offers, but Southern Utah was showing the most love, and I could get on the field the fastest.”
Aidan Siano:
Aidan Siano signed to play football as an inside linebacker for Rice University in Houston next year. In his high school career, Siano has had 33 career starts, 196 solo tackles, 127 assisted tackles, 369 total tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups. Siano is a three-year varsity letterman and a two-time team captain. He has also earned 2019 academic all-district and 2019 2nd team all-district inside linebacker.
“Aidan is a tackling machine,” said head football coach Brandon Schmidt. “He is what a middle linebacker should be. He is tough, disciplined, hard-nosed and a true leader.”
“Playing college football was my dream ever since I could even remember,” Siano said. “Since the first grade when I started playing, I knew that was what I wanted to do. It’s surreal that it’s actually coming true. (Rice University) was my first offer, they were the first school to really believe in me and just the academic portion of it, they have the number one ranked program in the nation for what I want to major in. It was just a no brainer to go there.”
Cameron Harpole:
Cameron Harpole signed to play football as a tight end for San Diego State University in San Diego, California next year. In his high school career, Harpole has had 82 receptions, 1256 yards, and 14 touchdowns. He has made the 2019 academic all-district team and earned the position of 2019 HM all-district tight end. Harpole is a three-year varsity football letterman and a two-sport athlete.
“Cam wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line,” said head football coach Brandon Schmidt. “He has a quiet confidence that will serve him well.”
“My favorite part about signing day was getting to see the people I love support me,” Harpole said. “I’m most looking forward to going to San Diego and making an impact on the field and off.”
Mason Jolley:
Mason Jolley signed to play football as a linebacker for Southern Methodist University in Dallas next year. In his high school career, Jolley has had 73 solo tackles, 38 assisted tackles, 111 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 10 quarterback pressures and 5 forced fumbles. He has earned the 2019 HM inside linebacker, is a three-year varsity football letterman and is a 2020 team captain.
“When I became the head coach at Prosper High School five years ago, Mason was a student at Rogers Middle School,” said head football coach Brandon Schmidt. “The first parent meeting I ever had as a head coach was with Mason and his Dad. The contents of that meeting are not important. What is important is the growth we have seen in Mason over the last five years on and off the field. His junior year when he came into my office to ask if I had the keys to the custodian’s closet so he could get a vacuum to clean the locker room. I had never been so proud. He is a warrior on the field and a great young man off of it.”
“It’s just a great opportunity for me academically,” Jolley said. “And for me going forward, my future. Obviously, we’re in Dallas right now and so an opportunity to play college football in Dallas and then life after that in Dallas will be very successful. My favorite thing is that I get to be really close to home.”
Jett Anderson:
Jett Anderson signed to play tennis at Centre College located in Danville, Kentucky. Anderson, current captain of his team, has been a member of the varsity team for four years. During his high school career, Anderson has competed at the district and regional level. During his freshman year, he placed second in district, along with doubles partner Josh Stephen. The duo also competed in the 5A regional tournament.
“Yesterday was extremely special,” head tennis coach Mandy Weaver said. “I am so proud of Jett and how much he has grown as a student-athlete, a player and a young man. Jett is my first athlete to sign to play in college and it’s so exciting. It was an honor to recognize him last night and I can’t wait to see and hear about the great things I know he will accomplish at Centre College.”
“I am blessed to be able to sign with Centre College,” Anderson said. “It is a dream come true for me. All the hard work, dedication, and grind finally paid off. Thanks to my parents, coaches, and teammates for all the support and belief in me. Congrats to my brothers on their signings and commitments as well. All this wouldn’t be possible without God so I appreciate him looking out for me.”
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Honors & Awards:
2021 Online Tops in Texas 9th place
Dallas Morning News National High School Competition 1st place
Photographer Of The Year Prosper High School 2019-2020, 2020-2021
National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Best of Show Awards 4th place podcast
Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA’s) Best Writing Contest 2nd place blog
Interscholastic League Press Conference 2021 Individual Achievement Awards:
1st and 2nd: Photo Slideshow
Honorable Mention: Student Life Photo
3rd: Photo Portfolio
Honorable Mention: Sports Feature Photo
3rd: Sports Action Photo
3rd: Feature Photo
2nd and 3rd: In-Depth News/Feature Package
Interscholastic League Press Conference 2020 Individual Achievement Awards:
Honorable Mention: Photo Slideshow
Honorable Mention: Photo Portfolio