Six Sulphur Springs Athletes Sign Their Letter of Intent

National Signing Day has become a big deal in Sulphur Springs over the last few years, consistently sending numerous athletes to play at the college level. This year was no different, as the athletic department saw six different athletes sign their letters of intent and announce where they will be taking their talents next. 

Evey Birdsong, McMurray University, Golf

Sulphur Springs Lady Cat Evey Birdsong was one of two Lady Cats to make their announcement on National Signing Day. The four-year Lady Cat has been a huge part of the Lady Cats historic run over the last few seasons. 

Last year alone Birdsong was the district runner-up, having her best season yet. She also finished Top 10 at Regionals and in the Top 20 at State, still with another year ahead of her. Now with her decision on where she will play at the college level behind her, Birdsong can spend the remainder of her senior year with every bit of her focus on having her best spring yet, and helping the Lady Cats’ continue on in their historic run. 

Birdsong said how much she’s loved getting to be a Lady Cat and represent Sulphur Springs along side her friends and teammates. When asked what she’s looking most forward to about playing at the next level, she mentioned traveling and getting to experience and play at all the gorgeous golf courses at the college level.

Addy Fenton, Stephen F. Austin, Soccer

Addy Fenton was the second Lady Cat to sign on National Signing Day, announcing that she will be taking her talents to Nacogdoches once she finishes her senior year. Fenton is another four-year varsity athlete, who has helped lead the Lady Cats soccer team in their most successful stretch in program history, going 61-14 over the last three season’s and making deep playoff runs each time. 

Fenton has gotten better in each year of her career, going from First Team All-District, to being named the Offensive MVP a year ago. As the Lady Cats get ready to begin another season, Fenton will return as one of the most tenured players on the team, and now with her decision to play at Stephen F. Austin once her high school career is over, already behind her, Fenton can put all of her focus on leading the Lady Cats to yet another deep playoff run, and having her best season yet. 

Last season, as the Offensive MVP, Fenton had an incredible year, finishing second on the team in goals (24), while also leading the team in assists (22). Both of those numbers were huge improvements from the season before, and now with last season’s leading scorer, Rowan Faircloth, playing at the college level, Fenton should get the opportunity to score even more this season. 

Grayson Hardy, Louisiana Tech, Football

Grayson Hardy is one of the few four-year players the Sulphur Springs Wildcats football team has seen in The Coach Faircloth Era, and for good reason. Hardy has been one of the best defensive players in the state, winning not only All-District, but even All-State honors. 

In his four-year career, Hardy was able to rack up 364 tackles, 18 pass deflections, six fumble recoveries, four interceptions, three tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Hardy did an amazing job in the secondary his first three seasons, before being asked to move to the linebacker group before his final season. 

Once in his new position, Hardy continued to thrive in his senior season, though due to injuries along the defense, the four-year Wildcat was asked to move back to the secondary midway through the season. The Louisiana Tech signee did an amazing job after the transition, showing his versatility and all the many ways he may be able to contribute once he’s in Ruston, Louisiana. 

Truth Holmes, UTEP, Football

Defensive lineman Truth Holmes, or Cowboy Truth as he’s known by Chad’s Media viewers, was the second Wildcats defensive player to sign to a D1 University on National Signing Day. Cowboy Truth wrapped up his high school career the same way he wrapped up opposing running backs, putting a neat bow on what was a dominant high school career. 

Holmes played a huge role in what was one of the best defenses in the State of Texas over the last couple seasons, and had multiple offers from D1 programs. Cowboy Truth finished his career with 135 career tackles, along with nine tackles for loss, nine QB hurries, six sacks and one fumble recovery. 

The Wildcats defensive lineman is set to go ahead and make the move to El Paso, enrolling early so he can get a quick start to his college career. While Holmes’ contributions on the field were as big as anyone’s, his efforts and what he brought to the team behind the scenes may be what is missed most. Cowboy Truth took great pride in being a leader in the locker room, especially to younger players, helping them adjust to their roles on varsity and helping them improve their games, like veteran players in the past helped him. 

Vincent Johnson, TCU, Football

Offensive lineman Vincent Johnson was one of the highest rated recruits in the state of Texas for the 2026 class, drawing interest from universities all over the country. Johnson is a three-star recruit that 247 Sports ranked as the 39th highest rated Offensive Tackle in the nation, as well as the 64th highest ranked player in the state of Texas. 

After receiving numerous offers from prestigious universities like Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, Arkansas, Houston, Kansas State and Memphis, it was ultimately TCU and coach Sonny Dykes that Johnson decided to sign with. 

The six-foot, five-inch, 310-pound offensive tackle, along with the entire Wildcats offensive line, played a huge role for the Wildcats and their offense this season. The Wildcats scored 508 points in 12 games this season, averaging 42 points per game and being able to get the job done however they needed to that game, excelling in both the run and pass games. While Johnson will be close by, playing his college football just a couple hours up the road in Ft. Worth, he will be greatly missed on Friday Night’s in Sulphur Springs. 

Aidan McCarroll, Midwestern State University, Football

Aidan McCarroll was the second offensive lineman for the Wildcats who signed their letter of intent Wednesday, deciding to take his talents to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. Like Johnson, McCarroll has played a huge role for the Wildcats, starting for multiple seasons on the offensive line. 

The Wildcats entered the season with huge expectations, particularly along the offensive line. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine ranked the Wildcats offensive line as No. 3 in the state, before the season started, and listed McCarroll as one of the big reason’s why.

“Guard Aidan McCarroll is the leader on the interior,” the magazine read. “The 6-3, 310-pound senior is a two-time First Team All-District selection who had 20 pancakes last season. [He and Johnson] will pave the way for running back Jaxson Haire, who had over 1,700 all-purpose yards in 2024.”

McCarroll, Johnson and the Wildcats offensive line lived up to the expectations and then some, helping lead the Wildcats to a second consecutive 10-win season. Their unit was not only one of the best in the state over the last couple years, but maybe the best in school history, and one that won’t soon be forgotten.