By Pepper Baker

Seniors Alex Johnson and Molly Pearce each signed on for full collegiate volleyball scholarships on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Johnson, an outside hitter, signed with the University of Miami and Pearce, a setter, signed with the University of West Florida.

“Alex, you are by far the hardest-working player who has walked through these doors,” Coach Joy Becker said during a press conference held in the foyer of the new gymnasium.

Johnson and Pearce sat at two big tables with the support of their parents standing behind them.

Of Pearce, Becker said: “It took a while for coaches to see how good Molly is and when they finally saw her play I was like, “isn’t that what I’ve said the whole time.’ ”

Leon assistant coach Angie Strickland came to tears when she spoke about the girls.

“I’ve never been so close to a group of girls as I am to these girls,” she said.

Former Olympian Rita Crockett, who is the owner of the North Florida Volleyball Association, also spoke about the girls dedication and success. Crockett has worked with both players

Athletic director Mark Feely also had high praise.

“The days I would get out of my car in the heat and quickly get into an air-conditioned building, well, they wouldn’t be in that building,” Feely said. “They’d be out in the heat working.”

Principal Rocky Hanna also showed up in time to put in his opinion on the occasion.

“Thank you for the way you both represented yourselves in that gym,” he said. “It’s an excellent example for the younger girls.”

When it was finally the respective girls’ parents turn to speak, the tears really began to roll.

“Thank you Alex for being such a great individual,” Johnson’s father, Ray, said. “I couldn’t be more proud of you.”

Pearce’s mother, Laura Boyd, spoke about her daughter, as well.

“Ever since you started playing in third grade, I knew you would play in college,” she said.

As the signing came to a close, Becker wanted to remind everyone of one thing: “They’re signing in big, red ink pens to always remember where they came from.”