BLYTHEWOOD – The Blythewood Athletic Department celebrated the college decisions of 11 Bengal athletes that have decided to continue their athletic careers on the collegiate level. The seniors of the Class of 2024 will graduate later this month before taking their talents to a college campus.
Kaitlyn Anderson, daughter of Anthony and Michelle Anderson, has announced her intention to continue her softball career at University of South Carolina at Sumter. Anderson was an infielder for head coach Jordan Atkinson at Blythewood High School. Anderson helped lead the Bengals to a winning record and the playoffs her senior year.
D’ara Bolt, daughter of Vernon and Keesha Bolt, announced her signing with Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina to continue her track career. Bolt participated in running events and jumping events for head coach Aleshia Taylor at Blythewood High School. Bolt helped lead the Bengal track team to a 5A State Championship in 2023. She won the Region Championship in the Triple Jump and has qualified for numerous national track events.
DeAngelo Brooks, son of Angelo and Jennifer Brooks, signed a scholarship to continue his track career at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Brooks is a sprinter for head coach Aleshia Taylor at Blythe- wood High School. Brooks earned All-Region honors on the track and has previously earned All-American honors.
Neilah Browne, daughter of Kelly Browne, announced her signing with Francis Marion University in Florence South Carolina where she will continue her softball career. Browne won three varsity letters for head coach Jordan Atkinson at Blythewood. Browne was an All-Region selection in 2023 while also winning the team’s Golden Glove award.
Madalyn Jones, daughter of Maurice Jones and Tarika Williams, announced her signing with Livingston College in Salisbury, North Carolina where she will continue her volleyball career. Jones was a Libero for head coach Mary Hall at Blythewood High School. Jones earned All-Region honors four times as a Bengal and was named a team captain.
Patience Lisbon, daughter of Patrick and Cindy Lisbon, will continue her track career at Coker University in Hartsville, South Carolina. Lisbon is a sprinter for head coach Aleshia Taylor at Blythewood High School. A captain for the Bengals, Lisbon helped lead the Bengals to the 2023 5A State Championship. She won the 4×200 meter relay at the 2024 Nike Indoor Nationals.
Rylan Madison, son of Billy Madison and Aaron and Athena Privett, signed a scholarship to continue his wrestling career at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. Madison wrestled as a heavyweight for head coach Paul Watson at Blythewood. Madison earned three Region Championships and two Upper State Championships at Blythewood. He was named to the North-South All-Star team as a senior and will graduate as the school record holder for most wins.
Graysen Manning, son of Eric and Tiffany Manning, announced his decision to continue his cross country and track career at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Manning was a distance runner for coaches David Duncan and Aleshia Taylor at Blythewood High School. Manning holds the school record in the 1500 meter run. He was named the cross country team’s runner of the year and earned outstanding mid-distance honors.
Christopher Thomas, son of Cornell and Shawton Thomas, announced his plans to continue his football career at North Greenville University in Greenville, South Carolina. Thomas was a wide receiver and returner for head coach James Martin at Blythewood. Thomas earned All-Region Honorable Mention honors in 2022 and helped lead the Bengals to the playoffs each of the last two seasons.
Karrah Vermillion, daughter of Jon and Tracy Vermillion, announced her decision to continue her cheer career at North Greenville University in Greenville, South Carolina. Vermillion was a side base and back spot for head coach Brittany Littlejohn at Blythewood. Vermillion was part of the Bengal competitive squad that had their best ever showing, finishing fourth in the 2023 State Championship Meet.
Trevon Williams, son of Travis and Kechia Williams, signed to continue his football career at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Williams was a safety for head coach James Martin at Blythewood. A three-year starter, Williams helped win a Region Championship at Blythewood and led the Bengals to the playoffs each of the last two seasons.
