National Signing Day: Northland athletes see collegiate dreams come true
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Athletes across the Northland put pen to paper on Wednesday making their collegiate dreams come true on National Signing Day.
At Duluth East Lauren Carlson announced her Division I future rowing for the University of Michigan. Tyler Smith committed to play Division II lacrosse at Rockhurst University, while Elaina Benson signing on to play soccer at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD).
"As a little kid I always knew I wanted to play in the NCAA and this feels like a dream come true to get this college experience," Smith said. He led the Duluth Wolfpack last season averaging five points a game to earn him 2021 Offensive Player of the Year.
Across town a trio of Denfeld Hunters committed to continue their academic and athletic careers. Logan Nylund will bat for the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) baseball team, and Kamryn Hill is joining the UWS women’s soccer team. Fellow Hunter Hanna Hovland celebrated her commitment to the UMD softball team.
At Cloquet High School Katie turner signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play soccer at Northern Michigan University, and Dana Jones committed to play Division II softball for Winona State University.
On Wednesday Duluth East's Elaina Benson (L), Tyler Smith (M), and Lauren Carlson (R) signed their National Letters of Intent to play collegiate athletics.[WDIO/Nick Johnson]
"Honestly just signing finally is exhilarating," Jones said. "I mean I’m honestly shaking I’m so excited."
Additionally Rian Aune of the Virginia Blue Devils basketball team signed her NLI to join the Southwest Minnesota State University women’s basketball team next year. Moose Lake/Willow River’s Natalie Mikrot also signed her NLI to play basketball for the University of Minnesota Crookston.