Five student-athletes at Owensboro announced plans to continue careers in their respective sports at the next level during a ceremony at the high school on Wednesday.
Collier Higgs and Brennon Williams are both headed to Kentucky State University to play baseball, Jordan Walling is going to Georgetown College for girls’ lacrosse, and Aubrie Schueler will play softball at Brescia University. Donavan Carbon, who is a student at Owensboro Innovation Academy, will join the track team at Campbellsville University.
Collier Higgs, baseball — Kentucky State University
Higgs plays second base for the Red Devils, and it’s been his dream to play in college since he was 3 years old. Now that he’s finally got the chance, Higgs said he knows he’s got to keep up his intensity.
“I have to keep working hard,” he said. “There’s always going to be somebody better than me. This is a great accomplishment, but I have to keep working.”
Higgs said he feels good about both his offense and defense, but it’s his confidence and leadership that help him stand out. As the leader of a close-knit team, he’s tried to help strengthen their bond even more.
“As a team we’re all solid together,” he said. “It’s just like family. It means a lot to play for Owensboro and do good for this school. I build up everybody’s confidence. As a team leader, I have to keep doing that.”
Thoughts from coach Logan Johnson: Collier has been a staple in our lineup and a leader since his sophomore year. His leadership shines through because of his relentless work ethic. His character is infectious and I attribute some of our team work ethic directly to him. Defensively, he’s an excellent communicator and solid with the glove. Offensively, he’s a middle of the lineup guy that drives in runs and doesn’t miss the barrel much. He hits for power and average.”
Brennon Williams, baseball — Kentucky State University
Williams has battled through adversity just to be able to keep taking the field, but his determination has paid off and he’s now headed to play collegiately. After missing his sophomore season, Williams wasn’t sure if he’d even be able to play again.
“It means a lot to me to finally be able to sign to go somewhere,” he said. “It’s been a goal since I was little.”
Williams knows there is still room to improve on both sides of the ball, but he’s come a long way since joining the team.
“I’ve worked on my fielding a lot,” he said. “That’s been the main thing. Ever since eighth grade when coach (Logan) Johnson let me play one game of varsity, I knew my fielding was something I needed to work on. I have good contact. Being big and tall helps me being on first. I’m hoping to improve on my power.”
Thoughts from coach Logan Johnson: Brennon has had an unusual path the last few years, and the determination he showed through tough times really showed his strong character. He’s an asset at 6’4” at first base especially since he can pick it. Offensively he’s shown his true power this year and become more of a complete hitter.
Donavon Carbon, track — Campbellsville University
Carbon didn’t even know a track career was an option for his future until he picked up the sport a couple of years ago. He had to miss some time his junior year do to an injury, but Carbon said it fueled him to finish strong.
“It motivated me to try harder and get better,” he said.
With the rest of his senior season approaching, Carbon is hoping to make a statement and carry his momentum with him to the next level.
“I’m ready to go into regionals and win that, then go on to state,” he said. “Then I want to go on to college and do the same so I can make a mark and put Owensboro High School out there since they helped me get to where I am. I’m just going to try to be the best I can be in college and help that team win.”
Thoughts from coach Drew Hall: He brings experience, leadership and hard work. Kids follow him and feed off him. He helps out a lot. He always wanted to compete at the next level, so I’m excited for him. If he puts his mind to it and works hard, he can do good things.
Jordan Walling, girls’ lacrosse — Georgetown College
Walling is the first lacrosse player from Owensboro to ever earn a collegiate scholarship. She’s played for the Lady Devils since the club started less than two years ago, and she’s excited for the opportunity to keep going.
“I’m really excited and I’m super grateful for this opportunity Georgetown has given me, and I can’t wait to be on that field,” she said. “It’s really special. It’s a huge milestone for the program. Hopefully it will encourage other girls to come out and play.”
Walling’s commitment was evident every day, and she tried to instill the same work ethic in her teammates.
“I worked really hard and I showed up to every practice,” Walling said. “You just have to be really dedicated if you want it.This team means a lot to me. I try to encourage these girls as much as possible. As their captain I like to push them to give their all and push them in games and outside of practice so they do as much as they can to become a better player.”
Thoughts from coach Carl Fehrenbacher: She would come with ideas on how we could make practices more beneficial and productive. She brought that leadership to get everyone motivated and focused. I see a great, steep learning curve to the betterment of her to get even better at the collegiate level. I just see her blossoming into a great player.
Aubrie Schueler, softball — Brescia University
Despite not having a ton of team success, Schueler worked hard through her varsity career and never wavered in her commitment to the team. Schueler grew up playing baseball, then got hooked on softball when she got to join the Lady Devils.
“In middle school the opportunity came around for me to start playing for the softball team,” she said. “It was a big change, but immediately I fell in love with it.”
During her time at Owensboro, Schueler said she developed skills beyond offense and defense. She played for a team that one a single game over a two-year span, and she was also thrust into a pitching role without ever having played the position.
“I learned a lot of patience,” she said. “I learned a lot about bonding with my teammates and how to communicate well with my coaches.”
Thoughts from coach Bryan Smith: Courage and integrity, that’s what I think of when I think of Aubrie. Coming back out, not giving up, not quitting, not letting go of the rope, that’s what courage and integrity is to me. That’s what Brescia is getting next year. She’s not a trained pitcher, but she didn’t whine about it. She took the mound out there every time we asked her to. That takes courage. I’ll always remember that about her.
