Grace Sievers, Softball, Northeast Community College

Brodie Arnold, Baseball, Midland

Jaxson Romero, Soccer, CCC

Tatum Rusher, Basketball, Doane

Jaylin Harsh, Softball, Peru State

Kaylee Harsh, Softball, Peru State

Ben Cumpston, Track, Nebraska Wesleyan

KEARNEY, Neb. — Seven more Kearney High student-athletes are preparing to play sports at the college level.

The Bearcats signed their letters of intent at a ceremony at the school on Wednesday. Tatum Rusher will be heading to Crete to play basketball at Doane University.

“It’s just the right fit, it’s close to home, close to my family," Rusher said. "The coaches were super welcoming right away and I think I’ll really enjoy it there.”

The guard set a Kearney High record for three-pointers made in a career. Still, she wasn’t always sure she wanted to be a college athlete. It was basketball’s impact on her character that pushed her to commit.

“It’s a lot of dedication and hard work, which makes me better mentally, physically, as just like a person in general and in life. I think that will take me really far,” Rusher said.

For twin sisters Jaylin and Kaylee Harsh, softball coaches needed to recruit them as a package deal.

“We do everything together and we still share a room now, so we wanted to room together. I love playing softball with her," Jaylin said.

“Well we’re practically inseparable, basically connected at the hip. (We) just didn’t want to separate that,” Kaylee said.

Jaylin plays shortstop while Kaylee plays outfield and second base. Now, they’ll both be playing in Peru State Bobcat blue.

“We got some pretty good scholarships there and it was one of the places where we both got softball scholarships,” Jaylin said.

“Honestly, we just really love the team and the coaches. We just really fell in love with it when we got there,” Kaylee said.

For athletes like Rusher, Signing Day served as a reminder of her high school success and as a signal of optimism for the future.

“I loved my teammates, I loved my career. I had a great career, especially my last two years, and it’s just been a great experience and it is hard to go, but I’m excited to see what college brings,” Rusher said.