Three White County student-athletes will be pursuing their academic and athletic goals at Division 1 universities.
Gracie Dodgen signed with Middle Tennessee State University to play girls’ basketball.
Dodgen has been verbally committed to MTSU for over a year, but made it official by signing her national letter of intent to play for the Lady Raiders.
“I’ve always wanted to go play at MTSU,” said Dodgen. “When they offered me my sophomore year… I knew when I visited, it was home for me. I didn’t want to waste anymore time. I wanted to get the pressure off my shoulders, so that’s why I committed. I’m just excited to get down there and win.”
Dodgen said she thinks she has several characteristics that will translate well to the next level.
“I think that I do have good ability shooting,” said Dodgen. “At Middle they run a lot of stuff for their shooters so I think I’m going to fit in very well there in that style of play. I think I can bring shooting and being a great teammate to the team.”
Warriorettes’ head coach Michael Dodgen, Gracie’s father, was understandably proud of his daughter’s accomplishments.
“It’s a long time coming,” said coach Dodgen. “I’m proud of her, and proud of the opportunity she’s going to get at the next level. She’s going to go get to play for a hall of fame basketball coach in Rick Insell. You can’t ask for a greater staff to go play for. I’m so proud of her.”
Grant Slatten signed with the University of Mississippi to play boys’ basketball.
Slatten is one of the most highly-touted recruits in White County history, and will play at the next level in the Southeastern Conference.
“Ole Miss saw me at a couple of different AAU tournaments,” said Slatten. “They eventually offered back in August.”
Slatten said he thinks his shooting ability will translate well in SEC basketball.
“I think my shooting ability is really going to translate well,” said Slatten. “I can shoot pretty far out which is necessary in the SEC. I think my playing style fits in the Ole Miss playing style really well.”
WCHS head coach Eric Mitchell said playing in a power-5 basketball conference will open many opportunities for Slatten
“It means the world of opportunity,” said Mitchell. “I know he’s going to work extremely hard. He’s going to get to play and be on TV. He’s getting national coverage. You go down there and meet people and you’re set for life. The skies the limit for him. He gets down there and he works hard, who knows, someday you may be watching him at the next level after Ole Miss. It’s just a great opportunity.”
Evan Welch signed with Arizona State for triathlon.
Welch said she signed with her dream school.
“They contacted me when I was a junior,” said Welch. “We’ve just been talking on-and-off, but I ultimately chose ASU. It’s such a great school. That’s been my dream school.”
Welch said she thinks she will fit in well with the coaches and team at ASU.
“What I really like is the coaches and the team. They’re just amazing,” said Welch.
