Signing day. As the winter sports begin, fall sports athletes sign to their dream schools, including Martel Jackson to Kansas State, Da’Saahn Brame to Tennessee and Milan Colvin to Eastern Michigan.

All three athletes worked hard to go to the highest level they could.

“K-state was always my dream school because my dad went there as a corner. Once i received my offer over the summer, I took it,” Jackson said.

Jackson and Brame have always lived in Derby.

Colvin moved here just a year and a half ago.

“I went to Rose Hill, and it was a different environment from here. Derby has helped me work harder,” Colvin said.

The chances of a high school athlete going Division 1 is 2%.

“To achieve the D1 status, you have to work hard, train to excel in what you want. You have to maintain good grades, and build a connection with the recruiters and coaches,” Colvin said.

While training is a big factor to go division 1. He had a different mindset.

“My dad was my biggest advocate to help me get to where I am today, without him I don’t know where I would be,” “My dad and uncle trained me to be the best version of myself not only as a athlete but a person,” Jackson said.

“The coaches really care about you not just as an athlete but as a person, they want you to succeed. If you show them how hard you’ll work, they’ll work hard for you.” Brame said.