Nansemond-Suffolk Academy had 10 athletes sign their National Letters of Intent in a signing ceremony Monday at the school.

One signed to play NCAA Division I, and one signed to play NCAA Division II. NSA had eight athletes sign to play at the NCAA Division-III level.

Leading the way for softball were Madi Wilson and Emerson Puzey. Wilson signed to play at the University of Virginia. She initially only inquired about the nursing program at UVA but then reached out to the coaches there and was offered a chance to play. She consulted with her family, friends and coaches about what would be best and she decided to play, even though nursing programs are rigorous.

“It will be an adjustment, but I am looking forward to it,” Wilson said. “I have been blessed to have great softball and travel ball coaches, and I’m excited about the challenge.”

Puzey, the reigning Virginia Independent Athletic Association Division II State Player of the Year, signed to play with Pfeiffer University. She loves the atmosphere there and her future coach. She believes her coaches always want the best and will always create a competitive environment.

In the hoops department, boys’ basketball standout D.J. White signed to play at Bethany College, and girls’ basketball standout Kaylah Brown chose to sign with Penn College of Technology.

White said he chose Bethany College because of its level of interest in him. The school showed him that they wanted him there, and he was excited to call Bethany his new home. He wants to major in business management, which was also a plus.

Brown was a first-team All-Conference and All-State player her senior year. She had her fair share of schools to choose from and felt like Penn College of Technology was what was best for her. She loves the area and has a chance to come in right away and play.

D.J. Minor will be heading to Claflin University to play baseball, while Kieran Conway will head to Hampden-Sydney College to play.

Minor mentioned that he went to visit CU and had a good feel for the campus. He scrimmaged with the team and was offered that same day.

Jacob Smith, Erek Smith and Chris Murphy all signed to play football at the NCAA Division-III level. Murphy will head to Methodist University. Erek and Jacob will join each other at Hampden-Sydney College. Erek originally committed to Christopher Newport University but later felt like the better fit for him was at Hampden-Sydney.

“It was a better fit for me academically,” Erek said. “The coaches really had a clear vision of what they wanted the program to become, so I really wanted to be a part of that.”

Summer Wood signed to play field hockey at Ferrum College. Ferrum is a small college and a place where Wood felt she could succeed. She’s used to that small school feel. Overall, she was happy to be able to go compete in college.

With 10 already signed and maybe more to come, it was a successful senior class for the Saints’ athletic program.