Historic National Signing Day at Foundation Academy: A Day to Remember

Yesterday was a day of great celebration at Foundation Academy, as the school witnessed an unforgettable moment in its athletic history. On National Signing Day, nine student-athletes made their commitments to further their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level, marking a milestone for the school and its athletics program. It was a moment of triumph, hard work, and faith, and we are grateful to God for the incredible blessings this day brought.

A Record-Breaking Signing Day

One of the standout features of this National Signing Day was the diverse group of athletes who committed to play at the next level. From basketball to baseball, softball to soccer, Foundation Academy athletes showcased their talent and dedication to reaching new heights. Here are the details of this historic day:

Riley Michels: A New Chapter in Basketball at Rhodes College

Riley Michels, an exceptional basketball player at Foundation Academy, signed a letter of intent to play for Rhodes College. Riley has been a key player for the Lions, and his determination and skill on the court have set the stage for a successful collegiate career. We are excited to see Riley continue to grow as an athlete and scholar at Rhodes College and are proud of all he has accomplished so far.

Lizzie Ozim: A Historic First for Foundation Academy Softball

In a groundbreaking achievement, Lizzie Ozim became the first-ever softball player from Foundation Academy to sign with a Division I program. Lizzie committed to Belmont University, a prestigious D1 school, where she will continue to play at the highest level of competition. Her dedication to the game, work ethic, and leadership have set an example for future generations of athletes at Foundation Academy. This signing not only marks a personal milestone for Lizzie but also sets a historic precedent for the future of the Foundation Academy softball program.

Avery Bangsund: Taking Her Soccer Career to West Virginia Wesleyan

Avery Bangsund, another standout athlete, signed to play soccer at West Virginia Wesleyan University. Avery has been a vital player for the Foundation Academy soccer team, demonstrating incredible skill, athleticism, and determination. Her hard work has paid off, and we are excited to see her continue her journey on the soccer field at the next level. West Virginia Wesleyan is gaining a talented and driven student-athlete, and we look forward to watching Avery excel in her college career.

Six Baseball Players: A Record-Breaking Class

Perhaps the most notable achievement of the day came from the Foundation Academy baseball program. A record-breaking six baseball players signed with colleges yesterday, making this the largest baseball signing class in the history of Foundation Academy. These young men have been a part of the program’s sustained success over the years, and their commitment to continuing their careers at the collegiate level is a testament to their dedication, skill, and hard work.

Here are the six baseball players who signed yesterday:

1. Mike Surane and Justin Salvati – Both signed to play baseball at Coker University. Mike and Justin have been integral parts of the Foundation Academy baseball team, contributing both offensively and defensively. Their leadership and commitment to the team have made them standouts in the program. We are excited to see what they will achieve at Coker University and beyond.
2. Braden Minnetto – Braden committed to Carson-Newman University, where he will continue his baseball career. A versatile player with exceptional skills, Braden has worked tirelessly to get to this point, and we are confident he will make an impact on the collegiate level.
3. Rylee Gibson – Rylee signed to play baseball at The Citadel, a school known for its rich athletic tradition. His commitment to excellence and work ethic have been a driving force behind his success. We look forward to seeing Rylee thrive at The Citadel and in the years to come.
4. Barak Boston – Barak made history by signing with Army West Point. This prestigious commitment speaks to Barak’s exceptional talent and character. Playing baseball at one of the nation’s top military academies is an incredible achievement, and we are proud of Barak’s dedication to both his academics and athletics.
5. Evan Brothers – Evan signed to play at Mission University, continuing the legacy of excellence in Foundation Academy’s baseball program. His hard work, discipline, and passion for the game will serve him well as he moves on to the next chapter of his baseball career.

Coaches and Administrators Reflect on the Historic Day

Foundation Academy’s Head Baseball Coach, Dakoda Grove, had high praise for his players. He said, “I am beyond proud of the 6 young men that have worked extremely hard to get to this moment. I cannot wait to see what they do this spring for us, and I look forward to following their college baseball careers.” Coach Grove’s pride and excitement for these athletes is palpable. This group of six represents the culmination of years of hard work, training, and teamwork, and their futures are bright as they take the next step in their athletic journeys.

Denzel Irvin, the Director of College Recruiting at Foundation Academy, also shared his thoughts on this special day. He stated, “God is great, and I pray that God continues to bless our athletes year after year with more signees.” Denzel’s words reflect the heart of Foundation Academy’s athletic program — one rooted in faith, hard work, and gratitude. The success of these athletes is a reflection of the program’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, both on and off the field.

A Day of Faith, Dedication, and Gratitude

Yesterday’s National Signing Day was more than just a series of athletic achievements — it was a celebration of faith, community, and the incredible work ethic of our athletes. We are blessed to witness these young men and women make their commitments to colleges and universities across the country. As they step into the next phase of their lives, we know they will continue to represent Foundation Academy with pride and integrity.

At Foundation Academy, our mission goes beyond developing athletes; we are dedicated to developing leaders, scholars, and young men and women of faith who will go on to make a positive impact on the world. This National Signing Day is just one example of the incredible potential within our students, and we cannot wait to see how they will continue to shine in the years to come.

Congratulations to Riley Michels, Lizzie Ozim, Avery Bangsund, and the six baseball players who signed yesterday. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and your futures are bright. We are so proud of you all and are excited to see what comes next in your journey.

As always, we give thanks to God for His blessings and guidance in all that we do. Here’s to an exciting future for our student-athletes and the continued success of the Foundation Academy athletics program. Go Lions!