Locked In on College Sports

Today we celebrate five standout student-athletes from Har-Ber High School and Springdale High School as they take the next step in their athletic journeys. Riley Gibson and Hayden Gibson have made waves in the pool, building reputations as dedicated and disciplined swimmers. Madi

Bryant has completely mastered the volleyball court.

Max Stewart has showcased his talent on the baseball field with consistency and grit, and Angelina Hernandez has dominated in cross country and track, pushing the pace and setting the standard.

Each athlete has put in the work, earned their moment and is now officially stepping into the next level of competition.

Scroll down to meet each athlete and hear their story!

Riley Gibson is closing out her senior year at Har-Ber High School with a moment she’s been working toward for almost a decade. At 17, she’s already spent nine dedicated years in the pool, turning discipline and passion into real results.

This year, she’s making her next move official Riley is signing to swim at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she’ll continue her athletic journey as a Razorback.

When asked how she feels about stepping into college athletics, Riley shared, “I am very excited to see how my career as a swimmer will develop as I go into college representing and being part of a new team.”

Her growth mindset shows up in her accomplishments too. One of her standout moments came at the 2024 Sectionals, where she placed third in the 200 fly long course a race that highlighted her grit, consistency and competitive edge.

Outside the pool, Riley is just as focused. She plans to major in psychology, with her long-term goal set on becoming a psychiatrist. Her passion for understanding people matches the same drive she brings to her sport.

She also wanted to share a message to the people who’ve helped her reach this moment: “I want to thank all my family, friends, teammates and coaches who have supported me all these years, and I am very grateful for how much they have motivated me and kept me accountable to keep showing up even when I didn’t want to. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”

Riley lives in Springdale with her parents, Donna Gibson and Jerry Gibson, who have been by her side throughout her journey.

Riley’s story is one of hard work, heart and a deep love for what she does and now she’s ready to take it all to the next level.

Scroll down to meet the next athlete!

Hayden Gibson is wrapping up her senior year at Har-Ber High School with a milestone that has been 10 years in the making. At 17, she's already built a strong reputation in the pool through hard work, discipline and a commitment that shows every time she races.

She is now taking the next step as she signs to swim at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and officially joins the Razorbacks.

When we asked how she feels about entering college athletics, Hayden shared, “I am very excited to swim in college because swimming is a huge part of my life, and I’m glad I can take my career to the next level.”

Her passion is backed by serious accomplishments. Her biggest highlight so far is earning her Olympic Trials cut, a moment that places her among the top young swimmers in the country.

Hayden plans to major in marketing while keeping her future wide open as she decides what career path she wants to pursue after college. Right now, she's focused on growing in the sport she loves and stepping confidently into this new chapter.

She lives in Springdale with her parents, Donna Gibson and Jerry Gibson, who have supported her throughout her journey.

Hayden’s story reflects dedication, focus, and a drive to see how far the sport can take her. Now she is ready to bring that same energy to the collegiate stage.

Scroll down to meet the next athlete!

Max Stewart is stepping into his senior year at Har-Ber High School with a moment he has chased for most of his life. At 17, with thirteen years of baseball behind him, he has turned his passion for the game into real competitive success.

Now, he's getting ready for the next chapter as he signs to play at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, where he will continue as a right-handed pitcher and outfielder.

When asked how he feels about earning his opportunity at the next level, Max shared, “It is a dream come true. I have always wanted to play at the next level, and getting the opportunity to is an amazing feeling.”

His journey reflects that energy. His career highlights include becoming a 2024 State Champion and earning recognition as a 2025 All Conference Pitcher, achievements that show both skill and consistency on the field.

Max will be majoring in sports management, with his eyes on a future in coaching after college. The same leadership he shows on the field is what he hopes to bring into the next generation of athletes.

He lives in Springdale with his parents, Jenny and Ryan Stewart, who have supported his path from little league dreams to a real collegiate future.

Max’s story is one of passion, grit and believing in what's possible. Now, he is ready to carry that love for the game into this new stage of his career.

Keep scrolling for the next signing story!

Angelina Hernandez is finishing her senior year at Springdale High School with a moment she once never imagined for herself. At 17 and after five years of putting in the miles through cross country and track, she is officially signing to run at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.

What started as something she simply enjoyed has now turned into a real collegiate opportunity. When asked how she feels about signing, Angelina shared, “I never thought I would run for college, but I am very grateful for the opportunity and super excited.”

Her results speak for themselves. Throughout her high school seasons, she's placed in the top 10 on 15 different occasions, showing both consistency and competitive strength every time she steps on the course or the track.

Angelina plans to major in marketing and communications as she builds her academic path. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue real estate and design after college, blending creativity with entrepreneurship.

She also took a moment to appreciate the people who helped her reach this point. “I am grateful for all my coaches' time and effort they put into all of us.”

She lives in Springdale with her mom, Maria Rodriguez, who has supported her every step of the way.

Angelina’s story is about believing in unexpected opportunities, trusting the work, and stepping into a future she once never pictured. Now she is ready to run into this new chapter with confidence and excitement.

Keep scrolling for the next signing story!

Har-Ber High School’s very own Madi Bryant has officially signed to continue her volleyball career at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The 17-year-old senior has been a powerhouse for the Wildcats as a multipurpose hitter, bringing energy, leadership, and heart to every match.

Madi has been playing volleyball for seven years, and her journey has been nothing short of impressive. She’s a 2023 GJNC National Champion and has earned multiple honors including 2024 6A All State Tournament Team, 2025 6A All State, 2025 6A All State Tournament Team, 2025 6A All Conference, and 2025 6A All Star Team.

When asked how she feels about signing, Madi shared, “I am very excited to have this opportunity. It has been a dream of mine and it is finally all becoming real. I am so grateful for this chance to play at the next level and am ready to put in the work to be the best I can.”

Off the court, Madi plans to major in psychology at UCA. While she’s still exploring what comes next after college, she says her goal is “to work with either children or athletes.”

She also took a moment to express her gratitude. “Just a thank you to everyone who has made this moment possible. And that I love Har-Ber volleyball,” she said with a smile.

Madi is the daughter of Marc and Melanie Bryant of Rogers, Arkansas, and her signing marks a proud moment not only for her family but for the entire Har-Ber volleyball community.

With her drive, talent, and heart for the game, there’s no doubt that Madi will continue to shine at the next level. Congratulations to Madi on this incredible achievement and the exciting journey ahead as a future UCA Bear.

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All materials should be credited to "Springdale Public Schools."

Contact John Steele Cooper at 479-231-6947 or jscooper@sdale.org for more information.

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