Given the scope of athletic programs available at Franklin High School (FHS), seniors and sometimes underclassmen will commit to further education through athletic scholarships. This winter has been no exception, with two students recently signing up to play their sport at the collegiate level.
Last month, FHS senior volleyballer Kyrah Bowles signed a letter of intent with Maryville College in Tennessee. When asked if she had inquired with other colleges or universities, Kyrah noted, “I really connected with Maryville’s coach, Brienna Laskowski, when I went to visit, and the team felt like family.”
FHS provided another athlete to Maryville last year when FHS tennis player Alyssa Smith also decided to attend the school. While Kyrah is looking forward to possibly winning some volleyball titles as a Scot, she also understands the academic requirements and objectives.
“I hope to get a degree in exercise science and later on pursue one in radiology,” she expressed.
Regarding her time at FHS, Kyrah stated that locker room pre-game sessions and celebrations after wins stand out as some of her favorite memories.
“I will never forget those moments. What I will definitely miss most about playing for Coach Cindy (Harrell) and Bekah (Brooks) was how much heart they put into their players. They truly do care for us like we’re their own.”
Kyrah still has a semester to finish in Franklin, but she is clearly excited about the next chapter in her life.
Similarly, track and field competitor Justus Bradford had her signing on Jan. 9 at the FHS library. Her choice for the next phase of her athletic competition and education is Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C. There she will compete under Head Coach Greg Thiel, who joined the school after 10 years as head coach at Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina.
“I chose GWU because the second I met Coach Thiel and saw the campus I felt peace that I hadn’t felt since the start of my recruitment journey.” Said Justus. “Another thing I love is that Gardner-Webb is a smaller school but still competes at the Division One level.”
Justus and her family did look elsewhere initially before settling on Gardner-Webb.
“I was heavily considering the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Wilmington and thought it to be my dream school after a meeting with the recruitment coach; but after my visit at Gardner-Webb, I couldn’t see myself there anymore.”
Other coaches reached out to her at the beginning of this current school year, from Brevard, UNC Asheville, and Western Carolina University. Justus is confident she would have had even more options had she waited longer.
“I wanted to commit early and not have to stress about college, so I could focus on doing my best during my senior [FHS] season.”
Justus’ main events are high jump and the 300-meter hurdles, but she admitted to have dabbled in pole vault and short sprints events as well.
“High jump is by far my favorite. I love the competition environment and how even in striving to win, most of us girls really do support each other,” she stated.
While looking forward to being a part of the track team and building new relationships with teammates at college, Justus also expressed excitement about competing at the next level and learning what she is capable of. In addition to that, some friends will be joining her at the school.
“Hope Smith and Rylee Cassada, former teammates of mine, are already on the track team there, and my sweet friend Laura Covarrubias will be coming with me as well, so I know I will already have a track family of support surrounding me.”
Regarding the academic side of things, Justus plans to pursue a degree in business management while continuing her track and field career at the college.
Of course, with a season of indoor and outdoor track and field still on her schedule, Justus has some goals to achieve at FHS as well. She would like to break the current indoor high jump record, which stands at 5’4, and win at the state level this year. However, she also lamented about leaving behind individuals who mean so much to her.
“Most importantly, I just want to cherish my time left with the team that is much like a family to me. I wrestle a lot with the thought of leaving my coaches. Each one has left a huge impact on my life. Coach Matt [Harlfinger], in particular, has always pushed me to be the best I can be and has always made me feel like someone of importance, even at my lowest. They will be missed immensely.”
Justus pointed out how thankful she is for her years and relationships built while attending FHS.
“I would like to add how incredibly grateful I am for every opportunity I have received during my time at Franklin High. When thinking about my athletic and academic experience, I am overwhelmed with love for the faculty, staff, teachers, coaches, teammates, friends, and family who have supported me. If not for the gifts and grace of God, none of this would have ever been possible, so all I am able to do is give all the glory back to Him.”