The Woodlands Christian Academy college signing day: Equestrian, rowing, track and football

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands Christian Academy recently held a college signing day for four students.

Cassidy Wilbourn – Oklahoma State University, Equestrian

"I've been riding horses since I was about 7 years old," said Wilbourn, who is going into pre-med with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. "It was something I liked to do maybe once a week, but as time went on it became more of a sport, and I begged my parents to buy me a horse. I started riding every day. This past year, I took a huge interest in trying to ride in college."

Wilbourn competes in jumping at Augusta Pines Farm. While she's looking forward to college, she's going to miss her Belgian Warmblood, Fifty Fifty Van Den Hoendriskshoeve – known as Franklin for short.

"He'll be waiting for me when I come home for breaks," Wilbourn said.

Micah Dial – University of Louisville, Rowing

"I moved to Texas from California in the middle of my freshman year," Dial said. "We moved right near Lake Woodlands, and I'd see people rowing out on the water every day and thought it looked like an interesting sport. I tried it for fun, and eventually became competitive. Now it's a passion."

Dial, who will be studying biomedical engineering but is also considering a career in dentistry, said while most athletes get started in their chosen sport around middle school, rowing is one where there are advantages to being a little older.

"Most don't start competitively until they're in high school, because you have to be grown and big enough to be in a boat without flipping over," she said. "Height helps. I'm about 5'10", so that's good."

Hannah Shearer – Missouri Science and Technology, Track

"I started running competitively in 6th grade, when I came to Woodlands Christian Academy, but running has always been a part of my life," Shearer said. "My parents both ran in high school, so we'd always go on runs together."

When Shearer says "we," she's also referring to her five siblings. She runs about 45-50 miles a week. "I really like that you can push yourself and see improvement," Shearer said.

Shearer is going for a double major in Missouri: Mechanical and aerospace engineering.

"I think I'll be a faster runner in Missouri," she said. "They have actual seasons!"

Austin Baker – Earlham College, Football

"My dad played football in college, so we just grew up watching games as a family," Baker said. "I played flag football when I was a little kid, started doing basketball for a few years, and then came back to football in 7th grade when I went to York Junior High."

Baker, #34, played linebacker and running back at The Woodlands Christian Academy during his junior and senior years. At Earlham, where he will study business management, he will play running back.

The multi-sport athlete also played varsity baseball and basketball at TWCA.

"My dad has been a huge inspiration to me," Baker said. "He's been the best coach throughout my life."