Eaton High School senior, Annabelle DeJager, has cemented herself within the Eaton legacy of athletes to further their academic and athletic career at the Division 1 level. In the spring, DeJager committed to the University of Mississippi to continue her volleyball career. With this commitment followed a big decision for DeJager to make. In order to join the college team she is going to have to depart for the University of Mississippi in January of her senior year, cutting her high school career short.
“I’m excited because it’s a rare opportunity, and I get to go to a place that I already love,” said DeJager. She’s excited to pursue her volleyball career at the next level, but is sad to leave her Eaton family behind. DeJager has many close friends that she spends lots of her spare time with. This includes the friends she has made through her many years of club volleyball, and the friendships she has grown from being within the community of Eaton. “It’s sad because I have to leave my family and friends, which is going to be a big change,” said DeJager.
DeJager being the athlete she is, it is expected for her to have many offers to play for a range of different colleges. In the midst of this thinking process, DeJager went on visits and considered colleges that would fit her best. Some colleges she visited were the University of Northern Colorado, Wyoming, Texas Tech, Fresno State, Memphis, and Ole Miss. After the many visits and variety of differences in coaching and culture, DeJager made the decision to attend her dream college. DeJager said, “How inviting the team was and the team culture was definitely something that made me lean towards Ole Miss and eventually commit to them.” DeJager’s sister is one of her biggest supporters and is always rooting for her success. “I know Annie is going to work extremely hard to accomplish all her goals at Ole Miss and I’m sure she will succeed with every one of those goals,” said Lila DeJager (26).
Deciding on a school to spend the next four years of life is a huge decision, as well as a stressful one. The Ole Miss visit, giving DeJager such a great experience and making her feel so welcome, made a stressful decision turn into a destined situation. DeJager is continuing to work hard during the school season and close out her last high school season on a positive note. Ideally, her last high school season will end with a state championship.
DeJager is excited to start her new journey, but she can’t stay away for long. DeJager has the opportunity to come back after the second semester and walk at graduation with the rest of the senior class. DeJager said, “The sadness that will come with leaving I’m okay with, because I get the opportunity to come back in May and graduate with my classmates and closest friends.”
DeJager leaving will be a huge adjustment for herself, family, and friends, as she will be leaving them behind to finish off the second semester without her. “I think deciding to commit to Ole Miss and graduate early was definitely the right decision, and will help me grow as a volleyball player.” DeJager realizes how hard this move will be, but she is embracing the change and the opportunity she has been given. Dejager will be added to the number of athletes to leave Eaton High School chasing a dream for athletic success and the community couldn’t be happier for her.
