Signing Day: MHS, UHS athletes secure athletic and academic futures on Monday
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MORGANTOWN – Monday morning marked a significant day at both Morgantown High and University High School as multiple student-athletes signed to continue their academic and athletic careers after graduation in Spring 2027.
Morgantown High saw 14 of its student-athletes sign with multiple programs across various sports.
From the track and baseball diamond to the basketball court and soccer pitch, the Mohigans were well represented across a plethora of programs by some impressive names.
Six runners from the MHS cross-country and track and field programs put pen to paper on Monday morning.
Josalyn Ammons will join West Liberty University as a sprinter and hurdler. Ammons is excited about the opportunity after a knee injury in her junior season.
"I visited a few different schools, but I loved the culture there, and it felt like home," she said.
A trio of 2026 cross-country state champions followed their track teammate: Megyn Amsler (Fairmont State), Kylie Cline (University of Charleston), and Ryleigh Freshour (Gannon University).
Allison Hawkins, who has an impressive resume as a member of the cross-country and track and field teams at MHS, will continue her running career for WVU. The Mountaineers are currently ranked No. 3 in the NCAA Women's Coaches' Poll.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to run for WVU," Hawkins said. "I enjoy the coach and all the girls there. It's always been a dream to join that program."
Joaquin Summers followed Hawkins as another Division I signee, joining UNC-Charlotte next fall to run both cross country and track and field.
Summers currently holds school records in the 800-meter, 1600-meter, 4×400 relay, and 4×800 relay events. He's also a member of the U-20 Ecuador National Team.
Gabbie Brown, daughter of 30-year head coach for WVU women's soccer Nikki Izzo-Brown, signed for Syracuse.
2025 First-Team All-State basketball selection Max Frey will join West Liberty next fall.
"The playstyle we play here at MHS is like the style at West Liberty, so I feel like it was a great fit," Frey said. "I've had a great relationship with the staff and everything since we started working together, and I'm excited to join such a successful program."
A quartet of MHS baseball players joined the festivities on Monday, including a pair of Division I signees, Bean Nipper and Bryson McNew.
Nipper will join Marshall University, while McNew will take his talents to James Madison University.
They were joined by Luca Mezzannotte (Cal U) and Lincoln Thornton (Marrietta College) to conclude the baseball signees.
Volleyball standout Abby Paulsen will continue her career close to home as a member of the Fairmont State University program.
Last but certainly not least for MHS, Kayli Kellogg signed to join WVU’s women's basketball program, where her father, Mark Kellogg, is the head coach.
"Who wouldn't want to play for WVU?" Kayli said. "I love everything about the program and the culture there. No one knows my game more than my dad, and I'm excited to be able to play in front of the fan base."
Across town on Baker's Ridge, three University High athletes secured their futures as well.
A pair of softball state champions, Lexi Elza and Kylin Oliveto, will continue on to the next level.
Elza will head to Seton Hill while Oliveto will join the program at Waynesburg University.
Finally, basketball standout Luke Byrer inked his name to join the men's basketball program at Fairmont State University.
Byrer says he's excited to join a program and coaching staff that will push him to be the best version of himself.
"I went down for a practice and the intensity they have as a program is something that stood out," Byrer said. "It really attracted me to the program. The culture is great there, and it’s a place people go who want to win and want to get better."