SIGNING DAY

Two Northview athletes sign with universities

MEKAYLA UPTON, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER DESIGN: NATALIE DAMER-SALAS, STAFF WRITER & NETHRA

As the school year comes to a close, seniors must decide their plans after high school. This year, seniors Jenna Sapong and Sydney Craig celebrate their athletic achievements with friends and family after having signed with universities where they will continue to play their respective sports.

Girls’ soccer captain Jenna Sapong has been playing soccer since she was 6 and chose to continue her soccer career at Auburn University in Alabama. In her first year at Northview, Sapong did not play soccer for the school.

“I wasn’t able to play my freshman year [at Northview] because of the club soccer [team] I played for,” Sapong said. “However, I was team manager that year, and I have played [varsity soccer] for Northview since sophomore year.”

Since her sophomore year, Sapong has worked hard to become the captain of the team. As a goalie, Sapong often talks to her team on and off the field about soccer tactics, which helped her transition to the role of captain smoothly.

“[Sapong] is great; she makes everyone feel welcomed,” girls’ varsity soccer coach, Sonia Fields said. “She works hard and practices what she preaches. [Sapong] is so kind and leads by example.”

On March 29, 2023, Sapong officially announced her decision to continue her athletic career at Auburn University. On, April 13, 2023, Sapong signed to Auburn, surrounded by family and friends.

“I had regularly applied [to Auburn], and then, after getting accepted, I emailed the coaches, and we talked,” Sapong said. “They got a chance to watch me play, and they really liked me. I went on a tour, and I really liked the school and its soccer program. At Auburn, I am most excited to meet new people from all over the world, play soccer, and know that I am getting a good education.”

Lacrosse captain Sydney Craig chose to continue her lacrosse career at Young Harris College in Georgia. Craig has been playing lacrosse since the age of 5 and has been playing for Northview during all four years of high school. She also played lacrosse for the club Outlaws.

“My sister’s best friend went to Young Harris, and she convinced me to go,” Craig said. “I visited during my freshman and junior years.”

Growing up, Craig participated in lacrosse, soccer, and summer swimming. Before high school, though, Craig decided to focus on lacrosse.

SYDNEY CRAIG

“Lacrosse has always been with all of my family and friends,” Craig said. “My brother and sister played, so I thought, ‘why not?’ Then, I ended up really loving [lacrosse.]”

On May 7, 2022, Craig officially signed

JENNA SAPONG

with Young Harris College. On, April 13, 2023, Craig signed with Young Harris College, surrounded by her coaches and teammates.

“[Craig] recently started going to training once a week, and it’s helped her improve a lot,” co-captain and senior Emmie Lampel said. “She is pretty quiet on the field, and she just wants to help the team out and get work done.”

Lampel and Craig are best friends and have played lacrosse together since fifth grade. This year, they are captains together on the Northview varsity girls’ lacrosse team.

“[Craig] is a good captain. She tries to help out the youngest girls and teach them ways to get better,” Lampel said. “She [shows] her dominance so everyone stays focused in games and practices, which helps us.”