Golf star McDonald going to App State;
Paradine will play ACC lacrosse at UNC
HobbsDailyReport.com
McDONALD
HICKORY – Hickory High girls’ golf star Anna McDonald has signed to play college golf at Appalachian State.
She plans to study to study forensic science, especially pathology, and hopes to become a forensic pathologist.
“It has been a tremendous honor and privilege of mine to have had the opportunity to coach Anna McDonald,” Hickory head coach Ben Hale said in a press release on Thursday from the Hickory Public Schools. “Anna is an unbelievably self-motivated, respectful, and talented student-athlete.
“She excelled at golf throughout her high school career and was always a friendly, supportive, and encouraging teammate.”
McDonald played four years at HHS, helping it when a regional title for the first time, and she was all-star each year.
Her decision was announced – along with the decision of five other Red Tornadoes student-athletes — by the HPS.
PARADINE
Paradine picks Tar Heels
Mason Paradine will play lacrosse for North Carolina with her major to be determined.
“Mason’s athleticism and strong fundamentals, mixed with her ability to always compete has made her into the standout, top lacrosse player that she is,” Red Tornadoes head coach Bailey Leonard said in the press release. “She anticipates the ball and is a player maker for us, on all ends of the field.
“Mason has been a vital part of this program’s success since her freshman year, earning numerous awards along the way.”
STOBER
Stober sings to play baseball at LRU
Bryce Stober has signed to play baseball at Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he plans to study business, communications or political science with an eye on attending law school.
“We are very excited for Bryce and the opportunity he has been awarded at Lenoir-Rhyne University,” Hickory head baseball coach David Craft said in the press release. “Bryce has worked extremely hard in the classroom and on the playing fields.
“We are proud of all of his accomplishments and look forward to watching him play at LRU.”
LaFrancis will play soccer at Wingate
LAFRANCIS
Jess LaFrancis has signed to play soccer at Wingate and will study nursing with a goal of enrolling in the Nurse Anesthetist MSN Program.
“Wingate is getting a special talent and individual in Jess LaFrancis,” Hickory head coach Brian Jillings said in the press release. “Jess has been the driving force in our midfield the past two years and will be looked upon to lead the team again this year.
“She is a tireless worker in the midfield who can beat teams in a multitude of ways. Jess can beat players 1-on-1, play a decisive pass and shoot from range.
“As good as she is on the field, Jess is even a better person off of the field.
“I have been very fortunate to work with Jess at Hickory. She has made our program better in every way and will no doubt do the same for Wingate.”
Gambill to play volleyball at Barton
GAMBILL
Allison Gambill has signed to play college volleyball at Barton College. She plans to study exercise science and pursue a degree in athletic training.
“Alli has worked extremely hard,” Hickory head coach Jason Stephens said in the press release. “She is the type of kid who will live in the gym if you let her. She has played for Hickory High, Northview Middle and Carolina Select Volleyball Club since she was 12 years old.
“When she was 12, many people wouldn’t have thought much of her athletically or skill wise, but by her senior year, every team we played knew about the No. 1 before we got to the game.
“She is a dynamic athlete. Her footwork is exceptional and her arm speed is tremendous. She has an intense competitive nature that causes her to excel and she loves to win!
“She is a leader on and off the court and a good teammate. Her hard work has paid incredible dividends and it is now going to help her pursue her educational goals. I am so proud of Alli.”
KNOWLES
Wingate signs Knowles for lacrosse
Leah Knowles has signed to play lacrosse at Wingate, where she plans to study Environmental Science and eventually Marine Biology.
“Leah has been a huge asset to this program since her freshman year,” Leonard said in the press release. “Her stick skills and vision of the field has made her a key player for us.
“Leah is a threat all over the field — she is a leader for us on the attacking end, whether it is scoring or setting her teammates up to score, and she makes big plays for us on the defensive end as well.
“She is very coachable and has the drive to constantly get better.”