by Rusty Ellis
BAXTER – Upperman Senior Sebastian Stanfill made his commitment to the University of the Cumberlands official on Wednesday, as he signed his national letter of intent to join the soccer program upon graduation this spring.
“It’s fantastic, I didn’t think I’d actually be here, but the hard work I’ve put in, especially after practice (has helped),” Stanfill said. “Definitely, I’m happy to be here for sure.”
When it came to his actual recruitment, Stanfill says having some local ties to the area is ultimately what helped seal the deal.
“I have a lot of family in that area, that have grown up in that area,” Stanfill said. “There’s actually a stadium real close by with my last name on it, so it’s always been my dream school and it’s real close to home.”
UHS head coach Mark Heberman has had the opportunity to watch Stanfill’s growth up-close over his high school career, and he says his character and work ethic are two things that have prepared him for the next level.
“I think it validates all the work he’s put in,” Herberman said. “Understanding that he had to grow as a freshman into what he is now as a senior, those were developed and he agreed on the path he had to take…it’s given him security and fortitude to work through challenges. Being able to step back and take roles that are more supporting roles, that’s really the growth that’s going to make him successful.”
And it’s those same traits that give Herberman confidence in saying Stanfill will be successful at the next level.
“I think with the maturity he has, the individual core values that he has, I think he’s going to be very successful,” Herberman said. “That community and school, they put a lot of emphasis on schoolwork and being accountable to achieve the degree you’re there for, but also to have fun and grow, so I think it’s a really good fit for him.”
When it comes to what he’s going to miss, Stanfill says the atmosphere that Baxter fans provide is something he’ll cherish while he’s moving on to the next level.
“The fans, especially for football, they really get together and it’s fantastic,” Stanfill said. “I’m ready to take it to the next level. I’m excited to play and get my name out there and see what I can do.”
