Following an intense season, the NC girls’ varsity lacrosse team (5-9) received the opportunity to celebrate two accomplished seniors on their signing day April 15. Seniors Keating Ball (19) and Kayden Williams (9) gathered with friends and family in the Arena to commit to their future school and commemorate all their hard work over their lacrosse careers.
The Lady Warriors met alongside their loved ones bright and early at 7:30 a.m. for their signing and took the hot seat to commit to their academic and lacrosse futures. As Ball, the first signee, walked up to the NC athletics booth, excitement rushed through her as she reminisced on the nearly eight years of her lacrosse career. Ball started off as a young fifth grader playing for her feeder schools, Kell High School and eventually Harrison High School, until she found her place competing with NC during her freshman year in 2022. Although Ball has dedicated the majority of her time to the sport at NC and other local Cobb County teams, the athlete found herself strengthening her skills in travel lacrosse. Coaches, friends, and players from B12 Lacrosse and Major Force Lacrosse (MFL) encouraged Ball and pushed her toward a deeper appreciation for the game.
“I started playing lacrosse in fifth grade, and I enjoy playing because of the friendships it has brought me. It’s [lacrosse] a way for me to express myself. I knew I wanted to play lacrosse in college when I began playing at a more competitive level on my travel teams,” Ball said.
As Ball grew older and discovered her passions, her father and brother played a major role in her decision to play collegiate lacrosse. Both Ball boys participated in lacrosse teams during their college years, inspiring the young athlete to pursue their shared sport intentionally. April 15, Ball signed for Young Harris College, a division two school, not only on a scholarship to play lacrosse, but also to earn her bachelor’s in kinesiology to chase after her dream of becoming an athletic trainer. After the event, friends and family took the chance to capture sweet memories on their cameras to never forget Ball’s accomplishments.
Next up, Williams committed to Piedmont University to chase her four-year passion for lacrosse at the division three school and a major in forensic science. The young mind started her lacrosse career during her freshman year at NC and discovered a strong adoration for the sport. After playing alongside her favorite people on the Atlanta Aces lacrosse team, Williams learned that she wanted to pursue the game seriously. Williams began playing with an empowered mindset, knowing that her lacrosse career would not conclude at her high school graduation.
“I really enjoy playing because it keeps me really active and motivated to stay in shape. [This is] mostly because I get to bond with my teammates. I found out I wanted to continue in college when I played summer lacrosse, and I realized that if I ever got injured or stopped playing, I would miss this feeling,” Williams said.
With her motivated spirit, Williams will continue her journey in lacrosse, forever grateful for the decision to try out for the NC team as a freshman. Despite her busy schedule with practices, games and the chaos of life, Williams finds joy in hobbies such as boxing, where she overcomes mental and physical challenges. The young athlete and her loved ones celebrated alongside NC faculty and continued to spread cheer for both girls. With the immense amount of care shared within the Arena walls for all signees, each student-athlete experienced a level of excitement and love like no other. Athletes, parents, and teachers left the signing with proud smiles, ready for the next four years of new achievements.
The Chant would like to congratulate Ball and Williams for their wins and contributions to the NC girls lacrosse team!
