A signing ceremony was held Monday afternoon at the Multipurpose Athletic Center for nine members of the Brownwood High School Class of 2026 who will continue their athletic and academic careers at the next level.

Four-year varsity multi-sport athlete Hannah Deen opted to continue her track and field career after graduation, as she will make the short drive to Stephenville and be a member of the Tarleton program.

Deen said of the opportunity to extend her track and field days, “It means the world. My whole goal ever since middle school has been to go to college for a sport. Honestly I thought I was going to go for basketball, but now that I’ve been in track at high school I’ve learned to enjoy it more and realize that it’s a lot more fun, so I’m really excited about the future.”

Regarding the decision to attend Tarleton, Deen said, “I like the fact that it’s closer to home, but I’ve been able to talk a bunch of the coaches and they’re all really nice. It felt a lot more like home to me.”

During her high school track and field career, Deen – a member of the 2025 Lady Lions state championship squad – earned a trip to Austin three out of four years, missing only her sophomore season due to an injury. Deen – who owns the school record in the high jump at 5-8 – competed at state in that event three times. Deen also took part in the long jump, triple jump, 300-meter hurdles and competed as a member of the 4×400 relay at times during her senior campaign.

Deen – who was tabbed the Greater Texas Ford Dealers Female Athlete of the Month for April 2026 – also captured numerous all-district honors while playing basketball and volleyball, and spent time on the soccer and softball teams as well.

Among her all-district basketball accolades were Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State, District Newcomer of the Year, District Sixth Man of the Year and first-team all-district. In volleyball, Deen received second-team and honorable mention all-district recognition.

Reflecting on what she will remember most from her time as a Lady Lion, Deen said, “Definitely winning state in track. That was the best accomplishment literally ever.”

While at Tarleton, Deen plans to study pre-veterinary sciences with intentions to become a veterinarian.

Lady Lions track and field head coach Chelsy Lipsey said of Deen, “She was a big reason I decided to take this Brownwood job. It was her freshman year at regionals and I was getting all these updates about her and a picture of her with her high jump and triple jump medals. I was asked if I wanted to come coach this girl for three more years, and I’m so thankful I did. I wouldn’t trade these three years for anything. Athletes like Hannah don’t come around very often and she’s accomplished so many great things over her four years. She has brought so much joy to everything and everyone she’s around. I’ll never forget after Hannah jumped a 5-8 at district and Tarleton offered her and she called me on the phone, hearing her excitement is something I’ll never forget. She has definitely left her mark on Lady Lions athletics in so many ways. We’re going to miss you so much, but we’re excited to watch you continue to shine at Tarleton.”