With the start of the second semester and graduation approaching, the Class of 2026 is facing more responsibility than ever. Between schoolwork, final classes, and preparation for last moments becoming memories, sports commitment has played a major role in also preparing two Hoover High School seniors for the future beyond. Commitment is an achievement with effort, consistency, and question. Senior athletes Avery Miller and Emi Fankhauser shared the answers and understandings toward the importance of commitment and how each managed the way to their own. 

Miller, a lacrosse player, explains how she is excited to experience beginnings with her new lacrosse team at Xavier University. 

“I am excited to join a new team environment where everyone is driven and wants to get better together,” she said. “I cannot wait to compete at a higher level, learn from new coaches, and push myself to keep improving. I am also excited for the friendships and the team culture that come with being part of a program like Xavier.” 

The excitement continues to rise while decisions are on the line. Pressure of making the right choice can be challenging, and selecting the school that feels like the best fit becomes one of the most meaningful decisions they will make. 

“There was and still is no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision,” Fankhauser, who will play softball at Walsh University, said. “Walsh was the only school out of my options that I could really see myself being a part of, and it was the only option that I actually felt excited for. I love the coaches, the culture, and the school, so it was a very easy decision for me.” 

Miller spoke about how she came to her decision. 

“[Xavier] actually was not in my top ten at first,” she said. “The previous coaching situation had a big impact on the program, and both my sisters played there when things were difficult. They had the highest number of transfers in Division I women’s lacrosse that year, and my sisters did not want me to go through what they did. Once the new coaching staff came in and the culture changed, the program became a completely different environment. After getting to know the new coaches and seeing the direction they were taking the team, Xavier quickly became a place where I knew I wanted to be.” 

Choosing a school is only the beginning of the journey. Behind that, family support helps guide as students take on new challenges and responsibilities. Miller’s family has been her biggest influence, and along with a variety of other support systems. 

“My coaches, teammates, and family have all shaped my lacrosse journey in different ways,” she said. “My coaches pushed me to get better and never let me settle, and my teammates made every practice fun and competitive. My family has always been my biggest support system. Growing up with two older sisters who played, I had people to look up to and learn from, and they helped guide me through every part of the recruiting process.” 

After months of encouragement, Commitment Day becomes a powerful moment of identity for these seniors. Standing by their decision allows seniors to define themselves and their future. 

Fankhauser describes details of her commitment, and the instant she was ready to complete this ongoing process. 

“The day that I verbally committed was a little more special than my signing day,” she said. “It was a normal school day in August, and I had been talking with my parents about when I would be ready to commit. I personally did not like the recruiting process, so I was extremely excited to end it and commit. When I decided that I was ready to stop the college search, I called my coach and told her that I would be honored to join the Walsh Softball family. This was an important day for me because from there on, I could focus on playing softball for fun rather than focus on playing in front of college coaches and trying to get recruited. Most importantly, I was committed to go to a school that I loved and join a team to play the sport that I loved.” 

After she spoke with her coach, Fankhauser called her family. 

“My family went out to dinner to celebrate,” she said. “Signing day was special, too, but it was my verbal commitment day that I felt was more special. On signing day, my family all wore matching gear and I signed, which was really special. One of the most memorable parts of the day were all the messages that I got from people congratulating me. I got texts from my Walsh coaches, many of the current softball players at Walsh, and many of my friends and family, so I was touched by how supported I was in making this decision. It was also extremely special to make my commitment official.”