ER’s Mitchell, Nolton both ink commitments on Signing Day

After terrific high school soccer careers, Emerald Ridge High’s Michaela Mitchell and Madeline “Maddy” Nolton signed their commitments to play soccer at the next level on Feb. 3.

As Mitchell signed with Regis University and Nolton with Texas Women’s University, this year’s Signing Day was a culmination of their time together playing for the Jaguars.

As Mitchell prepares herself for Regis University and life in Denver, it was about finding a balance between her love for soccer and a math program that will challenge her enough at the next level.

“It’s amazing, and just the team atmosphere is everything I could have dreamed of in a college,” Mitchell said.

Finding the right fit athletically was one thing, but everything needed to add up if Mitchell was going to put pen to paper.

“I’m looking to major in mathematics, and they do have the math courses I do need to start all of that,” she said. “I have talked to the math dean to see what my option are. But they do have a major in mathematics, so that’s what I see myself (majoring in).”

After Nolton signed, her excitement couldn’t be contained as she knows it’s one more chance to keep playing the game she loves while also getting the chance to experience life away from home.

“It’s really exciting to start playing to go to school (there). It’ll be a lot of fun,” Nolton said.

After a soccer tournament in California, TWU women’s coach Babak Abouzar witnessed Nolton’s skill, so the Pioneers coach opened up a dialog with the Jaguars standout.

“He just kind of started talking back and forth, and then we scheduled a visit where I could go play in a Nike camp,” Nolton said. “Then he offered me some scholarship money and I finally made my decision.”

The experience left a big impression on Nolton as she committed to play soccer for the Pioneers while entering their nursing program next fall.

“I just want to experience a new place, and I feel that college is the right time to experience that,” Nolton said.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 9:33 AM with the headline "ER’s Mitchell, Nolton both ink commitments on Signing Day."