Following her college dream: Rhodes to play soccer in Gillette

Cal Tatum, Herald Sports Editor
Posted 5/26/17

Rhodes signs letter of intent to play college soccer

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Following her college dream: Rhodes to play soccer in Gillette

Posted

Emotions ran high at Evanston High School on Wednesday when soccer player Ashlyn Rhodes signed her letter of intent to play for Gillette College next season.

This will be the first season Gillette College will have a soccer program and the college has already signed Red Devils Seth Davis and Kevin Najar.

A large crowd of students and faculty gathered to witness the signing and show their support for Rhodes.

“It is always great to see a student go out to represent the Red Devils,” said Bubba O’Neil, athletic director for Evanston High School. “As you go out representing Evanston High School you are paving the way for others to follow.”

Girls’ soccer coach Jennifer Dowling was a little emotional seeing Ashlyn moving on with her soccer career and her education.

“I am super excited for Ashlyn,” said Dowling before choking up a bit. “I am just so proud of her.”

When asked what signing her letter of intent meant to her, Ashlyn found it difficult to find the words. 

“Can I interject here,” asked Hayley Franklin, who called herself Ashlyn’s ‘bonus mom.’ “Ashlyn was not going to go to college due to financial difficulties. She had planned on working and saving money in hopes of going to college someday. When Gillette College offered a scholarship, we were able to find the money needed for her to continue her education. This is so helpful for Ashlyn.

“My husband said that education is for the privileged,” Franklin continued, “and he said this shows that Ashlyn is privileged.”

After signing her letter of intent, student athletes and others lined up to give high fives to Ashlyn, Franklin and coach Dowling. It was an incredible show of support and Red Devil spirit.