Calvary Day School honored four senior athletes yesterday, April 29, each committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the college level. Cory Blount, Cutter Powell, Brody Dawson, and Ryan Wallace signed their letters of intent during a ceremony surrounded by teammates, coaches, classmates, and family.
Each student-athlete reflected on their journey and looked ahead to their next chapter.
Cory Blount – Berry College, Lacrosse
Cory Blount began playing lacrosse in eighth grade and fell in love with the game. He's headed to Berry College to play at the next level.
Blount said Berry felt like home from the start. "Both of my coaches played there, so it was easy to connect with the coaching staff. I already knew some of the guys," he said.
He thanked his coach, Phillip Yount, for helping him believe in himself. "He thought I could play even when others doubted me because of my size. He believed in me, and that made all the difference."
Blount said he'll remember how his teammates and coaches always believed him. "I'm excited to compete at a higher level with guys who love the game as much as I do."
Cutter Powell – Charleston Southern University, Football
Linebacker Cutter Powell signed with Charleston Southern, where he'll play football while attending a Christian-based school that felt like the right fit.
"All the coaches there were great, and I really liked that it's a Christian school," Powell said. "It was the best offer I had, and it just felt right."
He praised the Calvary coaching staff for shaping him. "They made me a better football player and a better man," Powell said.
Powell led the Cavs with 112 tackles and 6.5 sacks his senior season. He says he'll remember "those tough freshman practices in the 90-degree heat" and is ready for a "bigger and more challenging atmosphere" in college.
Brody Dawson – Gordon State College, Baseball
Senior infielder Brody Dawson will continue his baseball career at Gordon State College. Dawson hit .301 last season and was a key part of Calvary's playoff run.
He said Gordon's coaches and small class sizes made it the perfect fit. "The coach seemed like a great guy, and I liked how he runs the program," Dawson said. "Academically, I like the smaller classes and the opportunity to connect with teachers."
Dawson credited his family for constantly pushing him to work hard and be his best version. "I'll never forget the bond with my teammates, those playoff runs, and how the coaches pushed us while still showing us love."
Ryan Wallace – Roanoke College, Baseball
Ryan Wallace, a standout pitcher and third baseman, signed with Roanoke College after helping lead Calvary to the Class 3A state finals. He was named Region Co-Pitcher of the Year after going 10-2 with a 2.48 ERA.
Wallace said Roanoke stood out both athletically and academically. "It's a great program with a small campus. I'm planning to study business administration," he said.
He thanked his family for their support. "My parents took me everywhere for tournaments, and my brothers always had my back no matter the outcome."
He also appreciated his coaches at Calvary. "They helped me on the field mechanically and off the field mentally."
PHOTO CREDIT: Prep Sports Report
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