Newton County’s soccer program continued its success with having players sign college scholarships last week, as Griffin Bailey signed with Jones College and Graham Lewis and Hallie Grace Stribling signed with ECCC.
Bailey and Lewis have been with Newton County’s boys soccer program through some of the most successful moments ever. Two years ago, the boys competed for a state championship, and each of the last three seasons, they won their district.
“It’s been great because when we came in, we were watching other teams win the division, and we didn’t win very many games,” Bailey said. “Then as we progressed, we started winning, and there’s a lot of fun to start winning. When you win district championships and make an appearance in the state championship, like I said, it’s just a lot of fun and just great to look back on those memories.”
Lewis said he’s had a lot of fun playing with his teammate and looks forward to competing against him next year, as Jones and East Central will play pretty regularly.
“I’m glad to see him go to the next level,” Lewis said. “It’s been fun playing with him, and it will be even tougher playing against him.”
Lewis said he was also recruited by Meridian and Southwest, but ECCC felt like home to him.
“I know a lot of the players on the team that are coming and are already on there too. And I’m just looking forward to playing for coach Ethan and playing with my new teammates,” Lewis said.
Bailey said he was also recruited by ECCC, Southwest and Hinds, but Jones felt like the best place for him to compete and win championships.
“They have a really good program down there. When I was on one of my visits, it was just a really nice campus, and I was just happy about knowing that I was going to get a good education from a great school and also be able to compete for a national championship, maybe.
Stribling signs with ECCC
For Stribling, she knew from the beginning that she would sign with ECCC.
“I’m just excited to grow as a player and continue my academic career there,” Stribling said. “And I’m just glad I get to be close to home and just let my family, my friends and my teammates get to experienc it with me.
Stribling began to play soccer at 3 years old, and it is a dream come true to play college soccer.
“I can’t believe it’s happening. I can’t believe it’s true,” Stribling said. “I’m just really thankful that I get this opportunity because you know, not every soccer player does.”
She credits much of her opportunity to play soccer at the college level to her coach Sarah Thompson.
“And even though she’s only been coaching me for a year, I think she’s really helped me and inspired me,” Stribling said. “I think she’s one of the main reasons that I got the opportunity to play college soccer. And I’m really appreciative of her.”
