FHS seniors commit to colleges in first signing ceremony of semester

FLORENCE, Ala. — Two Florence High School seniors took the next step in their educational and athletic journeys on Wednesday afternoon, committing to play sports at the collegiate level. Aimee von Herrmann committed to the University of North Alabama for cross country, and Brawly Davis committed to the University of Tennessee Southern for baseball.

Von Herrmann comes from a family of runners who have continued to compete after high school. She continues the legacy of academic and athletic excellence.

"I feel pretty good; I'm really excited," von Herrmann said about Wednesday's signing. "I chose UNA first because it's close to home. I really want to stay close to my family. Also, I love the coaches there already. The assistant coach for the cross country team—he helped out during track last year, and we're really close, so that was another reason.

Von Herrmann added that she received a scholarship and, at heart, she simply loves running. She said she is also proud to be following her family's example.

"My sister—she's at Chattanooga right now, so it's really exciting that I get to follow in their footsteps," she said.

Von Herrmann has not decided on a major yet, but said she is considering pre-law.

Next, Brawly Davis sat front and center to announce his commitment to UTSouthern.

"I'm feeling amazing," Davis said. "It's like a feeling I've never felt before—just extremely blessed. And can't thank nobody else but God."

Davis said he chose UTSouthern because of its familiar feel, adding that everyone he has met already feels like family.

"It has that hometown feel to it; all the coaches, players, teachers, everybody around there is so supportive of the baseball team and UTSouthern as a whole."

Although he is playing at the collegiate level, Davis said his love for baseball and the support he has received began long before.

"It all started from when I was about three years old," he said. My parents got me into baseball, and it's been an ongoing thing ever since. And then, whenever I hit about 13, we did travel ball."

Davis added that, through travel ball, he has competed in tournaments nationwide.

Davis said he already has a plan for what he wants to study in college.

"I'm going into physical therapy, and I dreamed to be a chiropractor one day," he said.

Both von Herrmann and Davis have a message for any younger Falcons choosing to pursue college sports:

"If you believe you can do it, you always can," Davis said.

If you love it, just pursue it, and God will give you the choice and the chance to run, if that's in His will," von Herrmann said.

To view photos from Wednesday's ceremony, click here.

By Jeremy Jackson