Five Lady Bulldogs sign with four-year universities
Five Holmes Community College Lady Bulldog soccer players - Cariel Ellis, Kennedi Richardson, Megan Richardson, Mackenzie Thompson and Carly Williams – signed letters of intent to play for four-year universities. The No. 2 ranked Lady Bulldogs are MACJC North Division champions for the fifth year in a row and are 9-0-1 overall.
Cariel, a sophomore who previously played for Madison Central High School, will play Division I soccer for the University of Arizona. While at Holmes, she played forward for the Bulldogs. Cariel originally signed with Mississippi State University in the fall of 2019 after her freshman season but decided to return to Holmes for her sophomore season. She was Holmes' first women's soccer player to be named to the NJCAA Women's All-American Team in 2019 after being named to the Second Team, and was named Region XXIII's Player of the Year after her freshman season. Cariel scored 10 goals this season.
"After connecting with the coaches and being able to consistently communicate, I knew Arizona was right for me," Cariel said. "They play a brand of soccer that I love and it just all felt right. My experience at Holmes has been amazing; it has brought me lifelong friends and taught me many lessons that have shaped my character. Through every win, loss, hardship and accomplishment it has made me who I am today. The environment helped bring out the confidence in me and helped me reach my potential."
Kennedi, a sophomore goalkeeper who previously played for Clinton High School, will play Division I soccer at Alcorn University. She helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to their first MACJC and Region XXIII titles in 2019 and had two saves this season.
"I chose Alcorn because not only did I want to have an HBCU experience but I also loved the community and atmosphere of the school," Kennedi said. "It's a bittersweet moment leaving Holmes. Holmes gave me an amazing experience, a home away from home. Both school create a family-like feeling and that is why I gravitated towards Alcorn."
Megan, a freshman from Madison, will play Division I soccer for Jackson State University. She was homeschooled prior to Holmes, and was a forward/midfielder for the Lady Bulldogs. Megan was responsible for 8 goals this season.
"My time at Holmes has provided me everything that I hoped for and needed: a great support system from my teammates and coaches to help me exceed my pre-ACL tear, fitness and soccer play," Megan said. "I chose Jackson State because I want to use that fitness and soccer play to represent my home state at a prestigious university."
Mackenzie, a sophomore midfielder from Pelahatchie, signed on to play Division II soccer at Delta State University. She previously played for East Rankin High School and was one of the ones responsible for helping the Lady Bulldogs win their first MACJC and Region XXIII titles in 2019.
"I chose Delta State University because I felt it was the best fit for me," Mackenzie said. "It was the school that made me feel the most at home. The coaches and players were so welcoming. My experience at Holmes has proven to be the best decision I have ever made. Coach Wesley does a great job of recognizing that each player is different but pushes each of us to be the best we can be. My time at Holmes has been the best and I can't wait to see what the future holds at Delta State."
Carly, a sophomore goalkeeper from Flowood, will play Division I soccer for the University of South Alabama. Williams helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to win their first MACJC and Region XXIII titles in 2019 and had 25 saves this season.
"I chose the University of South Alabama because it is a great fit both academically and athletically," Carly said. "They have an outstanding women's soccer program and I fell in love with the atmosphere on campus. I have loved my time at Holmes and the environment created from the coaches as well as the players. I love Coach Wesley's focus on developing players as well as developing people. Though I am sad to leave Holmes, I am excited to start my new journey at South Alabama."