Ten student-athletes from Don Tyson School of Innovation, Har-Ber High School and Springdale High School signed official letters of intent Feb. 4 to play collegiate sports at National Signing Day events at district high schools.
Join us as we congratulate these amazing competitors as they take the next steps in their athletic careers!
Scroll down to meet each athlete and hear their story!
Jackie Ayala-Gonzalez
Springdale High School’s Jackie Ayala-Gonzalez is officially taking her talents to the next level.
After 11 years of mastering the game, Ayala-Gonzalez has commitment to play soccer for Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.
“I’m very excited and grateful,” she said. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was little.”
As a standout attacking midfielder for the Bulldogs, Ayala-Gonzalez has proven herself to be a powerhouse on the field. Now, she prepares to bring that same vision and drive to the Eagles' midfield.
While she dominates on the pitch, Ayala-Gonzalez is also focused on her professional future. She will be studying ultrasound technology at NWACC with the career goal of becoming a certified ultrasound technician.
Ayala-Gonzalez is the daughter of Gregorio Ayala and Rosaura Gonzalez.
Jake Adams
Har-Ber High School senior Jake Adams is moving on to the next chapter of his athletic and academic journey.
“I feel extremely excited and can't wait to see what college football has to offer,” he said.
An 18-year-old Springdale resident, Adams has spent the last 12 years honing his skills on the gridiron, a dedication that culminated in a standout career as an inside linebacker for the Wildcats.
His physical play and leadership on the field earned him prestigious 2nd Team All-Conference honors in the highly competitive 7A West, marking him as one of the region's premier defensive players.
Adams is headed to Springfield, Mo., this fall to join the football program at Evangel University.
As he makes the move from Springdale to Springfield, he carries with him a decade-plus of experience and the unwavering support of his parents, Aaron and Alicia Adams.
While his presence will be felt on the field for the Valor, Adams is equally focused on his aspirations beyond the stadium. He plans to pursue a degree in graphic design, with long-term goals of establishing himself as a leader in the digital marketing and advertising industry.
Tony Berry
Har-Ber High School senior Tony Berry has officially committed to continue his football career at Pittsburg State University in Kansas.
An 18-year-old resident of Lowell, Berry has made a massive impact on the field in just five years of playing the sport.
His natural athleticism and dedication to the craft led him to a standout season as a cornerback for the Wildcats, where his shutdown defensive play earned him All-Conference honors.
As he prepares to join the Gorillas, Berry says he is "very excited" to take his talents to the next level in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association conference.
While attending Pitt State, he plans to study construction. However, his primary professional ambition remains fixed on the game he loves, with a long-term career goal of playing football at the highest level possible.
Berry’s success is a testament to his hard work and the support of his mother, Zsarrinia Varela.
Easton Hahn
Springdale High School senior Easton Hahn has realized a lifelong dream by officially signing to play football for Harding University in Searcy.
“It’s always been a dream and now a dream come true,” Hahn said. “Every failure and accomplishment got me to this point. I’m extremely blessed and honored to be signing to be a part of a championship program.”
An 18-year-old resident of Rogers, Hahn has dedicated nearly 15 years to the sport, developing into a premier defensive presence on the field.
His senior season was marked by significant accolades, including being named a 2025 7A West All-State Linebacker and receiving All-State honors from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Beyond his physical stats, Hahn’s character and leadership were recognized through his three-year tenure on the Bulldog Council and as the recipient of the 2025 Kyler Williams Bulldog Award.
He remains deeply thankful to everyone who has impacted his journey, acknowledging his success wouldn’t be possible without the support of his community, his coaches and his parents, Heather and Marshall Hahn.
“I’m thankful to everyone who has had an impact on my journey,” Hahn said. “This wouldn’t be possible without them.”
In college, Hahn plans to focus his studies on education and coaching, a path that perfectly aligns with his long-term career goals.
“I want to coach and impact young men’s lives,” he said.
Carson Hayter
Carson Hayter, a standout senior at Springdale High School, has officially signed to continue his football and academic career at Harding University in Searcy.
“I feel extremely blessed and thankful for this opportunity,” Hayter said. “I’m excited to see what my future holds, not only athletically, but what athletics can do to open different avenues for my life after sports.”
An 18-year-old Springdale native, Hayter has made a massive impact on the gridiron over the past six years, evolving into one of the most versatile threats in the state.
His elite playmaking ability was recognized throughout his high school career, earning him 2024 All-Conference honors as both a running back and wide receiver. He followed that up with a stellar year of play in 2025, when he was once again named a 7A West All-Conference athlete.
Now, he prepares to bring that skill set to the Bisons' offense as a slot and running back.
In the classroom, Hayter will be pursuing a degree in business management, with the ultimate goal of owning and operating his own business.
Backed by the support of his parents, Jeremy and Mendi Hayter, he enters the next chapter of his life with a clear focus on the long-term impact of his hard work.
KaShaun Holder
KaShaun Holder of Har-Ber High School officially signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
“I feel grateful to be signing to a D1 school,” Holder said. “It’s been my dream to play college football my whole life.”
Holder, 18, has been a dominant force on the gridiron for six years. Known for his explosive play as a defensive end, he cites becoming a D1 athlete as his proudest high school achievement.
“I can do whatever my coach needs me to do, including play whatever position they need me to play,” Holder said. “I’m good under pressure, I’m strong and tough.”
In the classroom, Holder plans to major in business, with long-term aspirations of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
He’s the son of Lindsey and Tevelton Holder of Springdale.
Jada Juarez
Jada Juarez, a talented Don Tyson School of Innovation senior, has officially committed to continuing her soccer career at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.
A 17-year-old Springdale resident, Juarez has spent the last decade dedicated to the sport, most recently serving as a key midfielder for Springdale High School.
Her 10 years of experience on the pitch have shaped her into a versatile player, and she enters this next chapter feeling "super excited" to represent the Eagles at the collegiate level.
Juarez’s journey to college athletics has been fueled by a strong support system and a deep sense of gratitude.
She credits the coaches who have pushed her throughout her career for helping her grow, both as an athlete and as an individual. Most notably, she offers a heartfelt thank you to her family, especially her uncle, for their constant presence and motivation in the stands during her games.
As she prepares for this transition, Juarez carries the pride and support of her parents, Maira Hernandez and Esteban Damian.
In the classroom, Juarez is just as driven as she is on the field. While playing for NWACC, she plans to pursue a degree in biology, laying the academic foundation for her future career goal of becoming an orthodontist.
D.L. Morton
D.L. Morton, a standout leader for the Springdale High School Bulldogs, has officially signed his commitment to play baseball at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
“I feel very grateful to God for the opportunity to sign with a college to continue my athletic and academic career,” Morton said.
A veteran of the game with 13 years of experience, Morton has been a cornerstone of the Springdale infield. He leaves a lasting legacy as a key member of the first Bulldogs team in 20 years to secure a victory in the state tournament.
At the next level, he'll transition into the shortstop role for the Raiders.
“I am thankful for my family, mentors, coaches, teammates and everyone who helped me get here,” Morton said. “I’m excited to continue to work hard and grow every day at the next level.”
He is the son of Clay and Lee Morton and currently resides in Fayetteville.
While he intends to study business, his sights are set on the highest level of the game with a career goal of reaching the Major Baseball League.
Sion Wilson
Sion Wilson, a standout senior at Har-Ber High School, has officially committed to continue his track and field career at Hendrix College in Conway.
“I feel great, and I am ready to run at the collegiate level,” Wilson said.
A 17-year-old Springdale resident, Wilson has spent the last six years developing his speed on the track.
One of his proudest moments in a Wildcat uniform was helping secure a school record in the 4X200 meter relay, a testament to his explosive pace and teamwork.
While he makes his mark on the track for the Warriors, Wilson will be pursuing a rigorous academic path in exercise science, with a long-term career goal to become a physical therapist.
His journey to the collegiate ranks has been supported by his parents, Shemika Wilson and Erreck Griggs.
As he finishes his final season at Har-Ber High School, his coaches and family look forward to seeing him bring that record-breaking speed to Conway this fall.
A.J. Woods
Springdale High School senior A.J. Woods is set to take his versatile athletic talents to Salina, Kan., after officially committing to play both baseball and football for Kansas Wesleyan University.
An 18-year-old Springdale resident, Woods has been a fixture on the diamond for 14 years and a force on the gridiron for the past three. A three-year starter in both sports, he's carved out a historic legacy at Springdale High.
On the football field, he earned 2025 All-State honors and etched his name into the record books by kicking a 56-yard field goal—the longest in school history and the second-longest in the history of Arkansas high school football.
His dominant play at third base also earned him Player of the Year honors in 2025 on the baseball diamond, proving his elite status as a multi-sport athlete.
He shared a special word of appreciation for Kansas Wesleyan coaches Matt Middleton and Bill Neale for providing him with the opportunity to represent the Coyotes as both a third baseman and a kicker/punter.
Supported by his parents, Robert and Tracey Woods, the student-athlete is ready to bring his athleticism to the Kansas Wesleyan program.
Academically, Woods plans to pursue a business degree with the goal of ultimately obtaining an Master of Business Administration, paving the way for his future career as a financial advisor.
Woods expressed a huge “thank you” to God, his family, teammates and everyone who’s supported him along the way.
“A special shoutout to Coach Middleton and Coach Neale for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” he said. “Go KWU!”
VIEW: All Signing Day Photos
