CRESTVIEW — David Born, Jasmine Middleton and Arianna Simms, who have signed scholarships to play sports at two regional universities, want to bring their A-game to their new teams.
"(I plan) to play the best I can and help the team win games," said Born, 17, who signed a soccer scholarship with the University of West Florida's Argonauts.
Simms, who signed a basketball scholarship with the same school, said she's learned countless lessons from four seasons as a shooting guard, and will apply them at UWF.
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"When I started playing high school (basketball) all I learned was hustle and never give up," she said. "I will bring defense to the team."
Middleton, who signed a volleyball scholarship with Southern University and Agricultural and Mathematics College in Baton Rouge, La., said she's working with trainers to prepare for her time as a Jaguar.
"I plan on being an influence and contributing to the team when I get there," she said.
The young athletes will be assets to their new teams, coaches said.
Born's love of soccer and eagerness to learn on the field will benefit UWF's program, CHS boys soccer Coach Scottie Milton said.
"This is my fourth year here (at CHS) and he has improved every year," Milton said. "He is an overall great player to have at any position."
Middleton and Simms — who made the Subway All-Star team this year, according to Kathy Combest, the girls basketball and volleyball coach, both have the athletic skill sets to go the distance.
"(Arianna) has speed and can shoot the long ball, shoots a very good jump shot (and) plays very good defense … those are skills you need to have," Combest said. "(Jasmine) is so powerful at the net; she can jump high and hit the ball hard."'
Middleton, who played outside hitter on the CHS girls volleyball team, said leaving Florida won't be easy, but it's necessary to meet her goals.
"I'm a little nervous about leaving home, but it's a step that I got to take," she said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview athletes vow to play their best after signing scholarships