HS Sports: Willis Honors Its Athletes During Crowded Signing Day

WILLIS, TX -- The Willis Wildkat faithful filled their gym in a tremendous showing of support for their five athletes who will be joining the collegiate ranks in 2025.

Respectful tributes were given to the athletes from football, volleyball, and cheer for the rigorous hard work and determination they put into themselves. Their respective journeys to the signing table have put them on a future path toward success at the next level of competition.

When given their chance to speak, each athlete added their words of appreciation. Thanks to family members, friends, teammates, coaches, and trainers who were all a part of the shaping of their stories were common amongst the talented studs.

In an exclusive interview with The Woodlands Online Sports, Campus Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Trent Miller spoke on the importance of athletes from all spheres making their jumps to the collegiate ranks.

“Every opportunity we have to celebrate and support our athletes is an opportunity we’re going to take full advantage of,” said Miller. “This town is blowing up. The growth out here is absolutely insane. So for us to continue to have that positive spin on what’s going on within our community is really special.”

Football

Jalen Mickens - Louisiana Tech

Of the five athletes signing, three were from the incredibly talented Wildkat football team. Having known his commitment for some time, Jalen Mickens knew that another season of development and passing knowledge onto the next group would benefit himself and the future of the program.

“I’ve been around a lot of good football players, and you can take a lot from them,” said Mickens. “Some are good in the weight room, some take to running routes, and some do all the above. You can learn from them and get better from that every day.”

Coach Miller was among those praising the entire signing class, but he took particular pride in pointing out how impactful his graduating class was as a group of leaders behind the scenes.

“There is a ton of senior leadership, especially with Jalen [Mickens],” explained Miller. “You can’t replace a player like Jalen considering what he does in the locker room, in the classroom, and in the community.”

Romel Stevens - Arkansas State

Another talented receiver joining the Division One ranks is the lengthy Romel Stevens. Sheer size was a valuable asset to Stevens during his senior year campaign and he is fully aware of how threatening that can be to opponents.

“My physicality and my ability to go for the ball, my height and my strength are some of my greatest tools,” said Stevens. “I plan to get to [Arkansas State] and make a big difference during my first year as a freshman.”

Warren Nolan - Arkansas State

Joining Stevens as a future Red Wolf is stud offensive lineman, Warren Nolan. The Arkansas State commit was a crucial part of Willis' formidable front line that gave time to players like D.J. Lagway and Jack Emerson.

The talented big man will be a welcome addition to the trenches in the Sun Belt Conference, where talent is carried in spades.

Volleyball

Brianna Hendrickson - Lee College

Family and a wave of teammates surrounded Brianna Hendrickson during the picture period following the signing ceremony. The massive outpouring of support from those close to her allowed Hendrickson to reflect on the impact of the moment.

“I felt like I was living my childhood dream,” said Hendrickson. “I’ve been dreaming about going to college for volleyball since I was about seven years old. It really is a dream come true.”

Eyes toward the future allowed her to stay focused on the goals of not just becoming a collegiate athlete but excelling in the opportunities she has earned.

“I feel like there are more opportunities ahead of me to, obviously, get my degree,” said Hendrickson. “But it’s also getting to play the sport I love. It’s a dream that still has me in shock.”

Cheer

Trinity McPheron - Sam Houston State

Earning some cheer by helping spread it during games, Trinity McPheron was similarly surrounded by those coming to encourage her during a massive stage in her life. Working through a physically demanding sport with those she could count on has given McPheron reliable support to succeed.

“I want to thank my whole cheer team because they supported me throughout this whole journey,” said McPheron. “My mom has also been incredibly supportive because it was just me and her for the longest time.”

With the next generation of athletes signed, the Wildkats can congratulate another group that will make a name for themselves with the tremendous support of Willis behind them.

Congratulations to the 2025 Willis Wildkat signing class!

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