Throughout the various athletic programs at RHS, there are many athletes that go above and beyond in their performances, and often these performances lead to a call to play at the next level of athletics for universities across the country. This year is no different, with more than ten Roswell athletes being at least verbally committed to play at the collegiate level across four Roswell athletic teams, as well as sports that Roswell has no official team for just in the first couple months of the school year.
Collegiate sports scholarships offer an opportunity to continue a student athlete’s passion for their sport while getting free higher education. They also offer the opportunity, for a select few, to go pro in their sport or to achieve a spot on the national Olympic teams.
There are many former Roswell athletes that have gone on to play at the next level including current NFL interception leader Xavier McKinney, who had played at University of Alabama after his time at Roswell and current 2nd string quarterback for the Green Bay Packers Malik Willis, who started three games this year. Willis played at Auburn University after his time with the Hornets. Notre Dame offensive lineman and 2024 graduate Anthonie Knapp, Florida Atlantic University tight end and 2023 graduate Zeke Moore, Middle Tennessee wide receiver and 2023 graduate Ethan Crite, University of South Florida running back and 2023 graduate Nykhai Davenport, Clemson lacrosse player and 2023 graduate Kayla Macleod, are all currently playing for their college teams just one-two years after graduating from Roswell.
The football team currently has four D1 committed athletes, one of which is senior three-star edge Kobby Sakyi-Prah. Sakyi-Prah is committed to University of South Carolina and will play his freshman year there in the 2025-2026 season. Sakyi-Prah is thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to it. “Being able to get the opportunity to play at the [D1] level is a blessing. It’s been a dream of mine to play in college and make a name for myself and my family and I’m glad I got the chance to be able to play at South Carolina” said Sakyi-Prah.
Sakyi-Prah also commented on the new opportunities brought by playing D1 football, he said, “Going to play at South Carolina can open a lot of doors. It’s the level before making it to the big league, gives me a chance to be able to help the team fly all the way the championship and win, gets me to meet new people who have the same goals as me, and that comes with a lot of benefits because you get to push each other to the top.”
Finally, Sakyi-Prah reflected upon his time at Roswell, said, “Being able to play for Roswell is the best thing that has happened to me. Been playing since 8th grade and I got to grow up with my teammates [and] play alongside them from freshman year till now. Those are my brothers and I’m glad I got this opportunity with them.”
The boys’ lacrosse team currently has two next level commits, one of which being senior attacker/midfielder Ben Weir. Weir is currently committed to Queens University. Weir discussed the opportunity said, “I am super excited and super proud to be able to play at the next level. It’s been a goal and dream of mine since I was in elementary school. It definitely will [open] new opportunities for me as well as new relationships with great players, coaches, and people. I’ll have the opportunity to study business at a good school and also get the opportunity to go study abroad.” Weir then reflected on his time at Roswell as well saying, “Representing Roswell on a larger stage is super cool and exciting because I have been playing Roswell sports since I was in kindergarten. And Roswell in general will always mean a lot to me as it has been the place where’ve I’ve grown up and been with my friends all my life, so getting to represent Roswell at the next level is awesome.”
The girls’ soccer team also currently has two D1 recruits, one of whom is senior defender Camie Maynor.
Maynor is currently committed to UNC Chapel Hill. When asked about her commitment, Maynor said, “Having the opportunity to continue my soccer career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is something I will never take for granted. I am beyond excited and can’t wait to see what my future brings. I believe this opportunity will provide me the guidance, training, and support to play professionally.” In reflection of her time playing for Roswell, Maynor said, “Having the opportunity to represent Roswell on a larger stage makes me thankful for the experiences and lessons I have learned. I want to continue to make Roswell and the community proud.”
Roswell has only continued to produce next level athletes.
