Most remember the first time they played sports, their first trophy, first injury and first varsity call up, all of which serve as significant stepping stones along unique journeys.
On Wednesday, 25 Killeen ISD senior student-athletes took the next leap in their athletic and academic careers at Signing Day ceremonies that highlighted the importance of education, family, perseverance, hard work, maximizing opportunity and commitment.
Another memory added to the list, for sure.
Each ceremony –– cheerful, heavily decorated, dessert-packed events inside the Chaparral, Ellison, Harker Heights, Killeen and Shoemaker gyms –– had their poignant moments of reflection on overcoming adversity, celebratory tales of titles and triumphs, and, of course, plenty of smiles and signatures.
This was the second signing day of the 2024-2025 school year. So far, 31 KISD athletes have officially committed to play at the collegiate level.
Bleachers were nearly full or full in every gym and, depending on the location, attendees heard from coaches, administrators and some of the players, all of whom made sure to thank the support systems in place.
And there was little doubt about said support, as family, faculty and friends surrounded the main attractions to bask in the achievements, offering high-fives, hugs and words of encouragement.
Wednesday’s extensive list –– which included football, volleyball, track and field and powerlifting signees, who’ve positively impacted their respective programs –– is below.
Nineteen colleges and universities will soon welcome the KISD students onto their campuses, across the state and the country.
More than 50 photos from the exciting day can be viewed on Flickr here.
Chaparral
Torrie Henry, football, East Texas A&M
Jamaal Jenkins, football, Cisco Junior College
Deliana Iosefo, volleyball, Jarvis Christian University
Kemani Washington, volleyball, Hill College
Ellison
Sidney Holland Jr, football, Tyler Junior College
Travaris Turner-Smith, football, Blinn Junior College
Aiden Uresti, football, Mary Hardin-Baylor
Harker Heights
Zariah Pena, volleyball, Navarro College
Jesselix Acevedo Lebron, volleyball, Northwestern Oklahoma State
Kaden Buter, football, Air Force Academy
TJ Johnson, football, Air Force Academy
Joe Hollis III, football, Midwestern State
Rocky Crooks, football, Air Force Academy
Kai McMillan, football, Texas A&M-Kingsville
Michael Mayes, football, Mary Hardin-Baylor
Armani Colon, football, Mary Hardin-Baylor
Fernando Rodriguez, McMurry University
Landon Rangel, football, Tarleton State
Alvion Candia-Brownlee, football, Trinity Valley Community College
Taize Fajardo, football, Capital University
Killeen
Aaliyah Barnes, track and field, Georgia Southern
Terriny Pace, powerlifting, Midland University
Shoemaker
Isaiah Butler-Tanner, football, UTSA
Maurice Starr, football, Blinn Junior College
Torion Thomas, football, Mary Hardin-Baylor
