“These are two exceptional examples of student athletes” Two Houston Hawks sign letters of intent

Amid the anticipation and excitement of their graduation later in the day, two graduating seniors from Houston High School signed National Letters of Intent on May 13, 2024.

“For high school athletes moving to the collegiate level is pretty great. Only about 5% of high school athletes move on and get the opportunity to compete at that level. And for us as a small school, it’s exceptionally rare,” said HHS Athletic Director Colby Wolfer. “Today is fantastic because not only do we have one, but we have two of our student athletes moving on to compete at the student level. And these are two exceptional examples of student athletes.”

Seniors Grace Gillespie and Carter Seime signed letters of intent to the respective schools. Gillespie, who plays three sports (basketball, volleyball and soccer) carries a 4.3 GPA, and she is also valedictorian, signed her letter of intent, committing to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she will play women's basketball and major in Civil Engineering.

This year, Gillespie averaged 10.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, helping the Hawks to an 8-15, 3-6 conference record, finishing third in the conference.

“She is pretty amazing to balance the academic rigors as well as the time commitment for three different sports,” said Wolfer.

“I would just like to thank my parents for their emotional support and for always being there and supporting me in my endeavors.”

She is following in her parents’ footsteps as both attended UAF.

“It was nice to have the full circle, but it was always her choice,” said proud dad Brad Gillespie.

Coach Jared Barrett recalled when he first met both Gillespie and Seime as their physical education teacher when they were in kindergarten.

“This is great to be here right now and watch them get to go on to the next level. As a coach and athlete from Houston that went to the intercollegiate level, this is amazing. This is a great opportunity for them.”

While he didn’t have the opportunity to coach Gillespie, he praised Seime’s abilities.

“Carter, you’re a great football player…He is the best quarterback in the conference.”

Seime has 4.1 GPA and also competes in three varsity sports. He received two different scholarships to University of Mary, the first being an academic scholarship, then a football one. He will play quarterback there.

“We are super excited for Carter. Before he got the opportunity to play football, he was going to go on an academic scholarship, so this came along secondary,” said proud mom Melissa Seime.

Seime said it was always a goal of his to play college sports and he is excited about the prospect, even if it hasn’t quite settled in yet.

“I’m excited, but it feels weird too. I never thought I’d get to play college ball, and now I’m here," Carter said.

He thanked his teammates for showing up, his coach and his parents for cheering him in the stands and offered this advice to others wanting to get into college sports:

“If you want to play college sports, just get out to the right coaches-they’ll recognize you. There’s always a place for everyone.”

Seime will be majoring in exercise science.

“It’s a special day for these two Hawks going off to represent us at the collegiate level.”