BLYTHEWOOD – On Wednesday November 10, 12 student-athletes of Blythewood High School announced their plans to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Each of the 12 seniors accepted scholarship offers for next year. The athletes, representing multiple sports at Blythewood, were accompanied by their families and coaches as they announced their college decision.
Lane Coleman, daughter of Jay and Dawn Coleman, announced her plans to continue her volleyball career at University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Coleman, a Libero & Defensive Specialist for head coach Mary Hall at Blythewood, was a three year varsity letter winner for the Bengals. She earned All- Region honors her senior season, leading the Bengals to a share of the Region Championship. She was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year and was a nominee for All-State honors.
Zac Cowan, son of David and Stephanie Cowan, announced his plans to continue his baseball career at Wofford College. Cowan is a shortstop and pitcher for coach Banks Faulkner at Blythewood High School. Cowan is a three-time varsity letterman. He has helped lead the Bengals to region championships in each full season of his varsity career. Cowan earned Region Player of the Year honors in 2021 while also being selected to the All-State team.
Jacob Hardy, son of Brian and Laura Hardy, announced his plans to continue his baseball career at Coker University. Hardy, a varsity pitcher for coach Banks Faulkner at Blythewood, earned his first varsity letter in 2021. Hardy helped lead the Bengals to the 2021 Region Championship, earning the teams Most Improved Player honors.
Will Lenker, son of Steve and Tami Lenker, announced his plans to continue his cross country and track career at Southern Virginia University. Lenker is a distance runner for coach Will Epps at Blythewood. Lenker has earned All-Region honors twice in his high school career. He was named the team’s most valuable runner in 2020 and has earned varsity letters each of the last four years for the Bengals.
Elizabeth Madden, daughter of Travis and Robyn Madden, announced her plans to continue her golfing career at Converse University. Madden is a five-year letter winner for head coach Jason Minkel at Blythewood. Madden has helped lead the Bengals to two 5A State Championships during her time at Blythewood. Madden and her teammates won the 2021 5A State Championship in dominant fashion, defeating the second place team by 47 strokes.
Caleb McCants, son of Tommy and Lisa McCants, announced his intentions to continue his baseball career at Coker University. McCants, an outfielder for head coach Banks Faulkner at Blythewood High School, earned All-Region honors in 2021. McCants helped lead the team to the 2021 Region Championship.
Alex Nevils, son of Mark and Nelly Nevils, announced his plans to continue his baseball career at Wofford College after high school. Nevils, a catcher for coach Banks Faulkner at Blythewood, has earned three varsity letters during his time at Blythewood. Nevils helped lead the Bengals to region championships in each of his full seasons at the varsity level. Nevils earned All-Region honors in 2021 while earning the team’s Most Valuable Player award.
Paige Paolucci, daughter of Ryan and Amy Paolucci, announced her plans to continue her golfing career at Anderson University. Paolucci is a five-year letter winner for head coach Jason Minkel at Blythewood. Paolucci has helped lead the Bengals to two 5A State Championships during her time at Blythewood, winning the 2021 5A State Championship by 47 strokes. Paolucci earned All-State honors twice in her career, including 2021 when she finished third at the State Championship Tournament.
Alex Simmons, son of Phil and Sherry Simmons, announced his intention to continue his baseball career at University of South Carolina at Union after high school. Simmons, a pitcher for head coach Banks Faulkner at Blythewood, earned a varsity letter after his junior season. Simmons helped lead the Bengals to the 2021 Region Championship.
Kevin Steelman, son of Kevin and Kelly Steelman, announced his plans to continue his baseball career at the College of Charleston. Steelman, a pitcher for coach Banks Faulkner at Blythewood, has earned three varsity letters for the Bengals in his career. Steelman helped lead the Bengals to region championships in each of his full seasons as a varsity player. Steelman earned All-Region honors in 2021.
Terry Watson, son of Terry and Robyn Watson, announced his plans to continue his soccer career at Clemson University after graduation. Watson, a center back for coach Robby Setzler at Blythewood, has twice earned All-Region honors for the Bengals. Watson earned All-State honors at Blythewood in 2021 and has also earned many state-wide and regional honors playing club soccer throughout his career.
Isaiah Williams, son of Vernie and Cathy Williams, announced his intention to continue his basketball career at the Air Force Academy after graduation. Williams, a forward for coach Zeke Washington at Blythewood, was voted a Team Captain his junior and senior seasons. Williams earned All-Region honors in 2020.
