Last week at Nucla High School, graduating seniors Steele Arnold and Keiran Bray were honored when they each signed their respective commitment letters to play college sports. Both student athletes are moving to the Midwest and will play college basketball.
Arnold will be attending Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas, southwest of Kansas City, and play basketball. He plans to major in sports management and work toward his goal of becoming a sports agent, or professional team organization manager.
He’s previously visited the Ottawa campus and feels solid in his choice.
“I could tell from the beginning that it was the place for me,” he told the Forum over the weekend.
He doesn’t know anyone else who’s attended, but he knows a few other Colorado students are there on campus.
This summer, he will continue his training program for basketball, so that he’s ready for college-level sports this fall. He’ll also be working to save money, though Ottawa University is giving him $80,000 over four years.
Arnold leaves for Kansas in late August.
He said last week’s signing felt like a release of pressure and he’s excited to be able to continue playing.
“I have been working for this moment for so long and to finally get to do it in front of my family and friends was such a great experience, and I am so thankful for the chance again,” he said.
Arnold said he hopes to play his best next year, but also make positive relationships on and off the court too. He’s ready to go to work, but he said he also aims to have some fun. He knows college will be his opportunity to do so.
Bray will attend Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, about 30 miles east of Lincoln. She will also play college basketball and will major in agribusiness and minor in communications.
Bray also visited the Doane campus and said she got to meet representatives from the department of agriculture, financial aid and the basketball coaches. She heard about Doane from the basketball coach at the college, when he reached out to her about playing for the small school.
This summer she will follow a workout plan and spend a lot of time in the gym, though she also wants to see her friends and family as much as possible before leaving. And, of course, she’ll be working for Bray Ranches, her family’s ranch, before her departure. She leaves in early August to start school.
Bray has been given scholarships that total $26,000 over four years.
Like Arnold, last week’s signing was freeing for her.
“I was having a really hard time deciding whether or not to play basketball and attend Doane,” she said. “After I decided I wanted to play basketball and signed my paper, I felt very relieved. I am now feeling super excited and pretty nervous to start my new life.”
Bray said she hopes to get a great education. She knows she’ll eventually work in the field of agriculture, probably advocacy. She’s also excited to be more independent, meet new people and make lifelong friends.
“I want to make the most of my college experience academically, athletically and socially,” she said.
