Trinity High School’s Madison McDaniel and Will Hernandez took the next step in their athletic journeys on Monday, signing their letters of intent to play collegiate athletics at Brescia University. McDaniel, a key player on the Raider softball team, and Hernandez, instrumental in building the Raiders’ boys’ volleyball program, will continue their athletic careers while pursuing their academics at Brescia.
McDaniel plays multiple sports at Trinity, including volleyball and basketball, and spoke emotionally about the support she has received throughout her athletic journey.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who showed up today,” McDaniel said. “I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play the sport that has not only taught me how to be an amazing player, but an amazing person as well.”
She also extended her gratitude to her family and coaches for their support.
“To my parents, thank you for pushing me to be the best that I can be and supporting me through every single game and tournament, no matter the circumstances. To my siblings, thank you for not letting me give up when things got tough. Thank you for running me to practices, and Kendra, thank you for practicing with me. To my grandparents, aunts, and uncles, thank you for always showing up to support me whenever you can. Lastly, to my nieces and nephews, thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders – it doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said.
Trinity head softball coach Jessica Morris praised McDaniel’s all-around skills.
“Madison is the type of player every coach wants,” Morris said. “She has incredible knowledge of the game and can play almost any position on the field. She is also very successful at the plate and steps in the box, ready to do her job and do what is best for the team.”
Hernandez has been involved in volleyball for much of his life and expressed his excitement about continuing his career at Brescia.
“First, I would like to thank everyone for being here today,” Hernandez said. “I am thankful to God for blessing me and allowing me this opportunity to further my volleyball career while also continuing my Catholic education at Brescia University.”
Hernandez also thanked his family, coaches, and Trinity staff for their support throughout his high school career.
“I would like to thank my parents for all the sacrifices they have made for me to achieve my goals and for sending me to Trinity High School,” Hernandez said. “I would also like to thank all the staff and faculty at St. Mary and Trinity for helping me become who I am today and preparing me for the next steps in my life.”
Daniel Morris, the new head coach of Trinity’s boys’ volleyball team, shared his pride in Hernandez’s dedication to the sport.
“Anyone that knows Will knows that he is a sports fanatic, especially in the sport of volleyball,” Morris said. “Since he was a young 7th-grade kid standing over on the sidelines with me, keeping stats when I coached the girls, I have witnessed the love, respect, and passion that he has had for the sport of volleyball. He has always dreamt of playing college volleyball somewhere, and I couldn’t be more proud of him for the hard work and dedication he has put forth to achieve this goal.”
Hernandez closed his speech by reflecting on his time at Trinity and his bright future at Brescia.
“I look forward to playing there,” Hernandez said. “I am proud to call myself a Raider and a future Bearcat. Thank you.”
