Springdale Student-Athletes Commit to College Teams
Eighteen Springdale Public Schools student-athletes signed National Signing Day letters of intent April 17 at a signing ceremony at Har-Ber High School. Join us as we congratulate these amazing competitors as they take the next steps in their athletic careers!
Zoe Grace Capps
Wildcat Zoe Grace Capps of Har-Ber High School signed a National Letter of Intent to dance for Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
“I am so excited to fulfill a dream I have had since I started dance 16 years ago,” Capps said. “This allows me to continue and further develop a passion I’ve had since I was a little girl.”
The senior is the first varsity dancer from Har-Ber to sign to a D-1 school and was the 2022-2023 All-State Dancer.
"Since joining school dance I have had the opportunity to dance at many local, regional and national dance competitions," Capps said. "At those events, I participated in skills competitions for turns, winning every time."
The student-athlete was also part of the 2022-2023 Silver Stars team, which attended the National Dance Team Championships and placed ninth nationally in the Kick Division.
"I was bestowed the honor of All-State Dancer during the 2022-2023 season," Capps added.
Capps, 18, plans to major in psychology and aspires to be on an NFL dance team, as well as a psychologist.
The senior calls Springdale home and is the daughter of Lindsay Ahart Capps and Jason Capps.
“Go Red Wolves,” she said.
Kaleb Ceola
Wildcat Kaleb Ceola of Har-Ber High School signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball for the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
“I am honored to be able to continue my dreams of playing collegiate baseball,” Ceola said.
Ceola, 17, plays as a catcher for Har-Ber, the same position he’ll play for Central Missouri.
The senior has played baseball for 11 years and was a 2023 State Champion and a 2023 All-Conference selection.
He plans on studying civil engineering in college.
Ceola is from Springdale and is the son of Brian Ceola and Misty Burks.
Teagan Cline
Senior Teagan Cline of Har-Ber High School committed to cheer for John Brown University in Siloam Springs.
“I am very grateful to be able to, not only further my education at my dream school, JBU, but to get to do the sport I love while there,” Cline said.
Cline, 17, currently competes as a main base for Har-Ber and is a two-time world champion.
The student-athlete’s thoughts turned to her peers as she prepared for the next step in her athletic career, wishing the Steele Athletics team good luck at the 2024 Summit Cheerleading Championship at Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Fla., in May.
Cline plans on studying nursing in college, with the goal of having a career as a travel nurse.
She lives in Springdale and has been a competitive cheerleader for three years.
Cline is the daughter of Shelly and Jeremy Cline.
Kennedy Dykes
Wildcat Kennedy Dykes signed a National Letter of Intent to cheer for the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
“I am extremely grateful and honored to have the opportunity to continue my athletic career at the collegiate level,” Dykes said. “Being a college cheerleader is a dream I pursued throughout my high school years. All of the sacrifices I made were 100% worth it.”
Her journey to college athletics made her a stronger athlete and person, she said.
“I can't wait for football season and to run out of the ‘T’ for the first time this fall in Neyland Stadium,” Dykes said.
Dykes, 18, I was named a 2023-2024 Arkansas All-State Cheerleader, earned the Top All-American Award at the NCA high school cheer camp in 2023 and is a two-time All-American Cheerleader.
The senior plans to major in communications and to minor in sports management at the University of Tennessee.
“After graduating college, I would like to work as an event planner or coordinator for my university's athletic department,” Dykes said.
The Har-Ber High School student-athlete has cheered for three years and calls Springdale home.
Her parents are Jimmy and Tiffany Dykes.
“Thank you to my parents, coaches and teammates for all of your encouragement and support,” Dykes said. “Thank you to Coach Chelsea Bowlin and Coach Zach Britts at the University of Tennessee for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. I'm very excited to see what the Lord has in store these next four years. Thank you, Lord, all glory and praise to You. Go Vols!”
Erandy Flores
Erandy Flores committed to play soccer for Hendrix College in Conway.
The 17-year-old Har-Ber High School student-athlete said she is very happy for the opportunity to play college sports.
“I am proud of what I have accomplished,” Flores said.
Flores, a senior, has played soccer for six years.
“I have played for Har-Ber my whole high school career,” she said.
Flores plans to be a pre-med major at Hendrix and wants to pursue a career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
She is the daughter of Elvis Flores and Odilia Nicolas and calls Springdale home.
Dylan Gibson
Dylan Gibson signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball for the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena.
“I am super excited to play a college sport, because nobody in my family has ever played a sport for a college,” Gibson said.
The Har-Ber High School senior plays as a centerfielder for the Wildcats and will compete as an outfielder for the Bucks.
Gibson, 18, has played baseball for 13 years. He was on the 2023 state champion team, as well as the 6A All-State Tournament team.
The student-athlete plans to be a business major in college.
“If baseball is still an option, I will do that,” Gibson said of a potential career. “Otherwise, I would like to go into the business world or do sports management.”
He is the son of Derek and Jennifer Gibson of Springdale.
Mazzy Hatch
Senior Mazzy Hatch of Har-Ber High School committed to compete as a pole vaulter for Western Colorado University in Gunnison.
“I’m extremely excited to continue my career in track and field,” Hatch said, who has competed in the sport for four years.
Hatch is a two-time Har-Ber Pole Vaulter of the Year, the third all-time outdoor pole vaulter for Har-Ber and the school's sixth all-time indoor pole vaulter. The student-athlete is also a three-time All-State pole vault, a two time All-Conference pole vault and a one-time All-Conference long jump winner.
Hatch plans to study environmental science in college, with the goal of working in environmental land management.
She calls Springdale home and is the daughter of Eric and Jennifer Hatch.
“I am very thankful for all the coaches who have helped me develop into the athlete I am today — Coach [Patrick] Sullivan, Coach [Lori] Rooney, Coach [Jeremy] Hull, Coach [Wayne] Hall and my club coaches, Greg [Culp] and April [Steiner Bennett],” Hatch said. “Thank you to my parents and family, who have supported me through every up and down and for the ongoing commitment and love they’ve given me on my journey.”
Haila Leake
Haila Leake signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in track and field for Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.
“Thank you to my amazing coaches, Coach [Lori] Rooney and Coach [Wayne] Hall,” Leake said. “I get to continue my track and field career!”
Leake competes as a high jumper for the Har-Ber High School Wildcats and will compete in the same event for the Gorillas.
The senior has competed in the high jump for two years and said she’s “very excited” to compete at the college level.
“I broke the Har-Ber High School girl’s indoor high jump record with a jump of 5’5,”” Leake said, noting a highlight in her high school career.
Leake, 18, plans to study business in college and is currently undecided on a future career.
Her parents are Aliah Jones, Tyrone Leake and Justin Jones. She lives in Fayetteville.
领英推荐
Nazareth Manjarrez
Wildcat Nazareth Manjarrez of Har-Ber High School committed to run cross country for Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.
“I never thought I would get the chance to run at the next level,” Manjarrez said. “It’s amazing to see that my hard work has paid off and I’ve achieved this goal.”
The student-athlete counts running a 5k in cross country in 17:13, a mile in 4:46 and the 800 meters in 2:05 among his high school running career highlights.
Manjarrez, 18, plans to major in business marketing at NWACC and wants to work as an electrician following college.
The senior calls Springdale home and is the son of Maria Gomez and Julian Manjarrez.
Jonathan Mendez
Jonathan Mendez of Har-Ber High School signed a National Letter of Intent to run track and cross country for the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
“I feel super proud and accomplished,” Mendez said. “I am one step closer to my goal.”
The 18-year-old has competitively run track for six years and cross country for seven years, is a four-time All-State Cross Country runner, a four-time track all qualifier and has competed at nationals.
Mendez, a senior, plans on majoring in exercise science in college.
“My dream has also been to run professionally,” he said. “However, as a career, I would like to pursue physical therapy."
The student-athlete lives in Springdale and is the son of Claudia Sanchez.
“I would like to add that this is all because of God,” Mendez said of the opportunity to play collegiate sports. “God has given me the talent and opened the doors and opportunities for me to get where I am.”
Passion Perez
Passion Perez committed to compete in cross country and track and field for Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo.
“I feel blessed and grateful to continue my passion for an amazing college,” Perez said.
The Har-Ber High School student-athlete counts being an all-state runner for cross country as a junior and senior, taking ninth place at the Arkansas State Cross Country meet in 12th grade and making the 2023-24 Arkansas All-Prep Team among her high school career highlights.
Perez, 18, plans to study radiology in college, with the goal of becoming an ultrasound technician.
The senior has competed as a cross country and track and field athlete for eight years.
“I do it all for God’s glory,” Perez said.
She lives in Springdale and is the daughter of Bill and Alex Duhaime.
PeytonSchlegel
Peyton Schlegel committed to compete as a dancer for the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to continue my education and dancing career with the University of Central Arkansas,” Schlegel said.
Schlegel, a senior at Har-Ber High School, has danced for eight years and was a Universal Dance Association All-American from 2022-2024.
She plans on majoring in biology and for a future as a pediatrician.
Schlegel, 17, lives in Springdale and is the daughter of Ray and Cheri Schlegel.
“I’d like to thank my family, friends, teammates and coaches for getting me to where I am today and always supporting me,” she said.
Braden Sprague
Braden Sprague of Har-Ber High School committed to play baseball for Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton.
“It is a dream come true, and I am very excited,” Sprague said.
Sprague, 18, is an all-conference and state champion.
The senior plans to major in sports management in college and aspires to become a college football coach.
Sprague lives in Springdale, has played baseball for 15 years and is the son of Karla Sprague and Steve Jackson.
Grant TeBeest
Senior Grant TeBeest signed a National Letter of Intent to run cross country and track for Harding University in Searcy.
“This has been my dream for a long time, so it is amazing that all my hard work has paid off,” TeBeest said.
TeBeest, 18, attends Har-Ber High School, is a 2023 Arkansas 6A cross country runner-up, a 2023 All-Star cross country sixth place finisher, a five-time state qualifier and a 2024 Arkansas 800M top 10 time runner.
The Wildcat plans to study sports medicine at Harding, with the goal of working as an athletic trainer following college.
TeBeest has run competitively for seven years, lives in Springdale and is the son of Jason and Hannah TeBeest.
The student-athlete thanked his parents, his sister, Mckinley, and current and former Har-Ber coaches Chris Clinton, Patrick Sullivan and Wayne Hall for their support.
Ridglee Thompson
Ridglee Thompson of Har-Ber High School signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Okla.
“I am really excited to continue my volleyball career,” Thompson said. “Volleyball is something I am passionate about — the competition, the friendships, the life lessons — and I am very grateful that I get to continue to be part of this wonderful sport.”
Thompson competed in the 2023 All-State and 2023 All-Conference tournaments as a Wildcat and had more than 1,000 assists as a high school athlete.
She has played volleyball for 10 years and competes as a setter for Har-Ber.
Thompson, 17, is from Springdale. Her parents are Rocky and Jamie Thompson.
The senior is undecided on a college major or a future career at this time.
Olivia Van Dusen
Olivia Van Dusen of Don Tyson School of Innovation committed to play soccer for Hendrix College in Conway.
“I am so excited to be able to continue my athletic career,” Van Dusen said. “I look forward to all of the friendships and experiences I will make through this sport in the upcoming years.”
Van Dusen, 17, attends Don Tyson but competes as a wing and defender for Har-Ber High School.
The senior competed with the 6A West All-Conference Second Team her junior year.
Van Dusen plans on studying digital marketing at Hendrix and aspires to become a social media manager.
She’s played soccer for 15 years and lives in Springdale.
Her parents are Miles and Victoria Van Dusen.
Additional Signing Student-Athletes
Students Kelly Thompson and Cindy Soto also committed to compete at the the collegiate level. Soto will run for Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, and Thompson will play baseball for North Arkansas College in Harrison. Student biography information wasn't available at the time of publication.
Har-Ber Signing Day Livestream
Har-Ber Signing Day Photos
News Media
Springdale Public Schools approves media use of all provided content.
All materials should be credited to "Springdale Public Schools."
Contact John Steele Cooper at 479-231-6947 or [email protected] for more information.