'Girls Rule' at Riverview High During College Signing Ceremony

It was difficult to tell who was prouder — the parents or the coaches.

A crowd of well-wishers gathered in the principal's conference room at High School on Feb. 14 to congratulate four female athletes as they signed letters of intent to the colleges of their choice.

Among the beaming coaches was four-year girls soccer coach Katie Clark, who was on hand to celebrate two signings.

Riverview senior Ebony Campbell will go on to play soccer at Iowa Central Community College, while senior Olivia Clare is headed to the University of South Florida.

"I'm really proud of both girls," said Clark. "Ebony has played for me all four years as goalkeeper. She's like Spider-Man in the goal. She made some outstanding saves and was MVP two years. She also served as captain of the team this year."

Clare only played for Clark two years due to a torn ACL. This year she played center "and made a big impact with her hard tackles and strong shots," said Clark. "She's just a beast of a player."

Campbell said she had several choices of colleges but chose Iowa Central because of its top-notch soccer program and the fact that the college will pick up most of her tuition.

"I love soccer," said Campbell. "I've been playing it since I was 6 years old, and I hope to play professionally. I'd love to play in the Olympics."

"She's multitalented," said her mother, Sharon, who was on hand with her husband, Willie. "She's also a very good singer and will perform in the school talent show Friday."

Like Campbell, Clare started playing soccer as a child. Her father, John Clare, is a former professional soccer player who now directs the Florida Revolution. Clare's older brother, Matt, now plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and brother, Andrew, plays at the University of Tampa.

"I'm the ultimate soccer mom," joked Clare's mother, Joan. "I just can't get away from soccer."

"We're really happy for Olivia," added her father. "She had an opportunity to go out of state but USF is where she wanted to go. They have a great team. They're typically in the top 10 in Florida, although they had a bad year last year."

Volleyball's Cook Headed to Webber

Also signing Tuesday was volleyball player Jenna Cook, the daughter of Gayle and Terry Cook, who will attend Webber University in Lake Wales.

"I've been playing competitively for about six years and 8 to 9 years generally," said Cook. "I just love volleyball. It's fun and you get to meet some awesome people."

It's been a landmark year for Riverview volleyball coach Kristin Grosso, who's in her second year as coach. Cook is the third player to sign a letter of intent this year. Earlier this year, Sarah Burrington signed to attend Florida State University and Candace Hodges will attend Webber as well.

"Wow," said Grosso. "It's a big accomplishment to have so many players sign. I'm so proud of these girls."

Softball's McCoy to Attend Hampton

Equally proud was Riverview softball coach Angela Slater as she watched senior Taylor McCoy sign a letter of intent to attend Hampton University in Virginia Beach.

The 5-foot-11 McCoy, the daughter of Connie and Andrew McCoy, was a pitcher as a freshman but moved to first base for the past three years. She said she hopes to pitch in college.

"We're very excited for her," said Slater. "She's been talking about going to Hampton for years. This is a dream come true. She did an exceptional job for us as first baseman. She's quiet but has a leadership ability about her."

"I'm very, very proud of these young ladies," said Riverview High School Principal Bob Heilman. "It's been a pleasure to watch you in the gym and on the field.

Riverview athletic director, Kevin Massena, agreed.

"This is definitely the year of the female at Riverview, and I don't think it's the last," he said. "At Riverview, girls rule."