The Reds Community Fund honored six student-athletes Monday at its seventh annual Signing Day, presented by CollegeAdvantage, Ohio’s 529 Plan.
Four softball players and two baseball players from the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy and the Reds Nike RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner-Cities) program earned the opportunity to continue their careers at the collegiate level. The six players signed their letters of intent in the Jeff Wyler Family Hall of Fame Theater at the Reds Hall of Fame presented by Dinsmore.
The players are:
Laney Hatridge (Beechwood High School) -- Wheeling University
Karlie Davis (East Central High School) -- University of Mount Union
Avery Roever (Seton High School) -- Defiance College
Kaylee Korros (Simon Kenton High School) – Asbury University
Noah Collier (Mt. Healthy High School) -- Miami University Middletown
Cameron Rosel (Mason County High School) -- Kentucky Christian University
The Reds Youth Academy and Reds Nike RBI players were honored by several prominent Reds luminaries. Bally Sports Ohio’s Brian Giesenschlag served as the host of the event and was joined by Reds president and chief operating officer Phil Castellini, Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo and Reds Community Fund executive director Charley Frank.
“This game is what brings us together,” Castellini said. “We want to create Major League citizens.”
The Reds Community Fund guides student-athletes through youth and high school sports with the goal of helping them reach the collegiate level. The holistic programs focus on growth both on and off the field. By fostering a strong competitive and academic spirit, the Reds Youth Academy cultivates an environment in which the next generation can thrive.
Reds Nike RBI participant and Miami University Middletown commit Noah Collier touched on the lessons he learned in his time at the Academy, crediting the RBI program for the shift in his mentality.
“I have a different mindset now when I step on the field,” Collier said.
Seven-year Academy member and Defiance College commit Avery Roever thanked the Reds Community Fund for all it did to prepare her for the next step. This included resume writing, goal setting and achieving leadership skills through seminars that could be used on and off the field.
Lodolo, who found himself in a similar situation seven years ago, provided the students with encouraging advice. He described college sports as the best opportunity “to get me to where I am now.” Lodolo explained to the young players that hard work gets you anywhere and keeping the mindset the Academy has given them will be vital.
The assistant director of the Reds Youth Academy, Kevin Coe, spoke about what to expect as the players enter the collegiate level. He emphasized the importance of the education they will receive. Coe reminded the students that he would always be there for them, and the Academy would always be home.
Following this advice, the six signees picked up their pens and committed to their chosen schools. They then took photos and were given the opportunity to participate in interviews with local media. A tour of the Reds Hall of Fame followed, as did an opportunity to watch Reds batting practice from behind the Reds dugout.
The athletes were honored during a pregame ceremony at that night’s game against the Brewers. Reds Hall of Famer and current broadcaster Barry Larkin offered the opportunity for the group to visit the broadcast booth during the game. Reds first baseman and longtime supporter of the Reds Youth Academy Joey Votto donated suites for the players and their families to enjoy the game. The day served as an example of the positive impact the Reds continue to have on the youth in the community.