Tyler Legacy High School athletes signed a letter of intent to play volleyball, girls soccer, baseball, and football at the collegiate level. The signing ceremony took place in the gymnasium before the athletes’ families, coaches, and teammates.
Ionna Jones, Volleyball – University of North Texas Freshman Year: Honorable Mention All-District, Academic All-District Sophomore Year: Honorable Mention All-District, Academic All-District Junior Year: Second Team All-District, Academic All-District Senior Year: First Team All-District, Academic All-District, Third Team All-Rose City Team
Tyler Legacy Coach Bryan Winegeart: "I have never seen a kid persevere and overcome the number of obstacles thrown in their way like Ionna Jones. She always did it with a smile on her face."
Kyleigh D'Spain, Soccer – Tyler Junior College
Four-year Varsity starter, Captain, All-District Player, All-East Texas Player, three-year Academic All-District, and Academic All-State this year, FCA All-Star.
Tyler Legacy Coach Chris Woodard: "Kyleigh is an exceptionally gifted athlete. A lot of it is due to her hard work and relentless determination. She is a blue-collar type of player who has worked extremely hard to get where she is going. She is very creative and disciplined, which matches her personality. This is one of the many reasons she is a valuable leader/teammate. She could not play her junior year because of an ACL tear in her knee. However, she has returned stronger than before to lead our team into being the best in East Texas. Corey Rose at TJC has worked with her and watched her for a few years. He will be getting a solid player. She should fit in well with the National Champion caliber players Rose will bring in worldwide."
Elise Prince, Soccer – Friends University
Tyler Legacy Coach Chris Woodard: "Elise is the hardest-working girl on our team. She spends countless hours outside of practice working on her own. That is how she has earned a chance to play competitively for another four years."
Tye Arden, Baseball - National Park College
Three-year letterman, 2022 First Team All-District Outfielder, 2022 Academic All-District, 2022 State Finalist
Tyler Legacy Coach Tim Arden: "I could not be more proud of Tye. His dedication and hard work have allowed him to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a college baseball player. I truly believe huge things are ahead for him in the next four years on the field and in life."
Walker Freeman, Baseball - McClennan Community College
Three-year letterman, 2022 Academic All-District, NHS Member
Tyler Legacy Coach Tim Arden: "Walker has been an absolute joy to coach. He is a special talent in baseball who also shows tremendous leadership on and off the field. I truly look forward to watching him excel at one of the best junior college programs in the country."
Tyler Priest, Baseball - Seminole State College|
Three-year letterman, All East Texas Honorable Mention, 2021 and 2022 Academic All-District, NHS Member
Tyler Legacy Coach Tim Arden: "Tyler is a rare baseball player and athlete. His combination of speed, hitting, and fielding ability have translated into signing with a tremendous college baseball program. He is a terrific student and a great human being who I know will excel in whatever he chooses to do."
Christian Baxter, Football – Tyler Junior College Three-year varsity, 1st Team All-District Punter 2022, 2nd Team All-District Kicker 2022, 1st Team All District Kicker 2021
FG/PAT's: 10 made FG's, Long of 49 yards, 97 PAT's 12/12 PAT's/ 5/6 FG's Punts: 47 punts/1479 yards/31.4 avg/long 67 yards, 28 kickoffs -1309 yards/46.8 avg/long 65 yards
Tyler Legacy Coach Chris Clemons: "The thing that I think is exciting about him is that he is a very good kicker now, but he hasn't hit his ceiling yet. He is such a good athlete that he has the potential to be a special kicker if he keeps working and progressing."
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.