Senior Savannah Palmer signed to play division three soccer at Rhodes College on Friday, April 17. Palmer signed, surrounded by her family, coaches and friends, during office hours in the Dodd Banquet Room. Palmer is the fourth student-athlete to sign to continue playing at the collegiate level this school year. Rhodes College is a private, liberal arts school located in Memphis, Tennessee. 

“I was early in my junior year, I was playing in a showcase in California and they just kind of came up to me and approached me and said that they had interest, and then they took me on a visit, and then they just gave me an offer on a visit,” Palmer said. 

Palmer was recruited by the college relatively early in the recruiting process for high school athletes and was pursued by many other schools, which had to remain unnamed. The recruiting process is often long and difficult for athletes, and support systems like Palmer’s make a difference.

“All my coaches and my mom, too, were a really big part of my recruiting process. And definitely my teammates. I want to thank the people who pushed me to be the best version of myself,” Palmer said. 

Palmer has known soccer her whole life, something she shares with her mom, making this signing even more special, symbolizing a full-circle moment. 

“I have been playing literally since I could run. My mom played soccer and so it was just like a natural thing for me to pick up,” Palmer said. 

Her signing celebration at school featured cake, balloons, banners and more, helping her feel special and celebrated for her achievements. Palmer feels a deep connection to soccer that goes far beyond her talent and natural ability. Most athletes are driven solely by success, but Palmer is motivated by more fulfilling things. 

“It genuinely is my favorite part of my day,” Palmer said. “I think a lot of people play the sport because they’re good at it. But for me, it’s not like that. I don’t play it just because I’m good at it, but I genuinely enjoy what I’m doing. Practice is the favorite part of my day and I just really have a passion and a love for it.”