At EHS athletics is a key part of the Eaton culture. Many students are multi-sport athletes and participate in a sport they have played from a very young age. College sports are a different level of competition so the fact that many of our students get the opportunity to continue their athletic career is truly amazing. At Eaton High School the school is well known for being a very competitive school and comes to compete in regards to athletics. From Juco to division one schools EHS has a wide range of students competing at the next level.
Eamon and Alex Shaw are two athletes who have chosen to compete at the next level. In December 2024, the twins committed to Southwestern College located in Winfield, Kansas. This college is about an hour south from Wichita, Kansas, and is classified as an NAIA. Committing to a college is a huge decision and with this decision comes many considerations. From deciding location, academic programs, team aspects, and recognizing the college chosen will be where the athlete spends the next four years of their life.
Shaw and A. Shaw have been playing soccer with each other since they were four years old and have developed a bond through the sport for as long as they can remember. Ever since these young years of playing soccer together, their bond through the sport has only grown stronger. Most siblings struggle when playing a sport together, but this is not the case for the twins.
Shaw (25) said, “Me and Eamon have a good bond and we went to college camps together and wanted to play together and keep competing with each other. We play really well together and I’m very excited and lucky to be able to go with my brother.”
During high school the twins had to find a different school that offered a soccer program since Eaton does not. The twins live in Greeley, so they chose from the Greeley schools that offered a soccer program. Their options included Greeley West, Greeley Central, and Northridge. Upon entering high school the twins decided to choose Northridge High School to spend the next four years of their lives playing soccer.
Shaw (25) said, “My favorite memory would be when Alex and I both started at the beginning of the season versus Windsor. I didn’t get the opportunity to play with him as much my junior year because there was another midfielder ahead of Alex last year so being able to play with him was my favorite part.”
Deciding to go to the next level is a difficult decision, but when immediately feeling welcomed by the team and loving the campus plays a huge part in making the decision clear. Not only does it help narrow down the decisions, it helps the athlete feel certain that this is the right choice for the college career. Both Alex and Eamon regarding the environment of the team made it seem as a perfect fit.
Shaw said, “I decided to go there because the team was very welcoming and it would be the best place for me right now to continue my soccer career.”
Shaw and E. Shaw have chosen to continue their soccer career at the next level and couldn’t feel better about their decision. The twins don’t only get the opportunity to continue playing the childhood sport at a college they love, they also get to play alongside their brother. The bond sports bring to people’s lives is unmatched and the twins being able to grow the bond of siblings through a sport is incredible.