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.

Haylee Adkins is bound for Cisco College to compete as a member of the cross country program following graduation.

Adkins said of the chance to continue her cross country career in college, “It’s a great opportunity for me to pursue my running, because that’s what I enjoy doing.”

Regarding the decision to attend Cisco College, Adkins said, “It’s a less expensive route in college and you can’t really pass that up. I was offered a scholarship to run for them, and that’s what I really like doing.”

Adkins was a three-year regional qualifier, a part of two district championship squads, and a member of the 2024 Brownwood High cross country team that recorded the school’s best ever finish at state with a seventh-place performance.

Reflecting on her fondest memories as a Brownwood High cross country athlete, Adkins said, “I would say the competition. In the distance races, there were a few elbows thrown here or there, but it wasn’t really bad, so I like it a lot. And the people here were really nice to me.”

Adkins intends to become a Psychologist and plans to attend a four-year school after attaining her Associates degree at Cisco.

Lady Lions cross country head coach Chelsy Lipsey said of Adkins, “It’s been a joy to coach Haylee these last three years. When I met Haylee her sophomore year she maybe said five words to me all season. Over the last few years it’s been really cool to watch her grow and come into her own and build a relationship with her. Cross country is such a mentally challenging sport, and there’s so many life lessons to take away from it. I know Haylee is going to prepared for whatever life throws at her. I’m so excited for her to continue her running career at Cisco and I’ll be cheering for you.”