Leland seniors Colby Connor and Abby Hicks signed to play collegiate sports as Connor will be heading to Kalamazoo College and Hicks to North Central Michigan College Thursday in front of peers, teachers, family, and coaches.
CONNOR COMMITS TO HORNETS
Colby Connor will be taking his talents to Kalamazoo College after shining for the Comets soccer team all four years.
Connor made the Leelanau Enterprise Dream Team three straight years and has played significant time on the pitch since his freshman season.
“Thank you all for being supportive.
It means a lot. Not many people get to experience this, and I’m surely grateful for what I have. Thank you, Mom and dad for driving me around and putting up with me. That means a lot, and thank you to Lily, Ryan, and Owen for always messing around in the backyard with the soccer ball. That’s one of the reasons I’m here,” Connor said.
Connor led with speed, change of pace and the ability to take over any game at any moment.
He scored nine goals and eight assists this past season.
“The small school environment, and they’re very welcoming (at Kalamazoo College). I got along with the team super well, and it was almost like dejà vu a little bit when I went there, which was really weird because I had never been there before, so I just got a sense of belonging and a home,” Connor said. “I’ve always dreamed of playing college soccer.”
Connor was named Homecoming king last fall.
This has been one of Connor’s biggest goals in life and he is looking forward to working over the summer to compete for playing time with the Hornets and competing for an MIAA championship.
Connor helped lead the Comets to being named No. 1 in Division 4 at one point last season.
HICKS HEADS NORTH TO NMCC
Abby Hicks will be taking her talents to North Central Michigan College as she led the Comets to a state championship appearance her junior year and played a pivotal role during her tenure with the Comets.
“I went up there for practice before districts, and the team was so nice and it felt like a great fit. I loved the campus, and it’s super close to home,” Hicks said. “It just means completing a goal and just continuing my dream of playing in college.
This has been my dream since my freshman year.”
Leland coach Travis Baker compliments Hicks ability to adapt to different positions while showing mental grit and pursuing other challenges.
Hicks made all-state as a junior. She helped lead a young Comets squad during her senior year and turned into a leader for the team.
“I want to say thank you for being here. Thank you to my coaches for pushing me, believing in me and helping me grow on and off the court.
“Thank you to my teammates for pushing me to be better every day and helping me become the player and person I am. Thank you to my family, especially my mom and dad, for providing so many opportunities to grow into who I am. I’m excited for this next chapter in my life.”
Hicks made the Dream Team twice during her tenure with the Comets. One of her best highlights was in the state championship game when Hicks made a circus save to capture momentum and win the second set in the state championship game.
