Committing to College Sports

Five Har-Ber student-athletes sign letters of intent

Student-athletes commit to college teams

Five student-athletes signed official National Signing Day letters of intent Nov. 13 to play collegiate sports at a National Signing Day event at Har-Ber High School.

Join us as we congratulate these amazing competitors as they take the next steps in their athletic careers!

Nash Jeffus

Nash Jeffus committed Nov. 13 to play baseball at Connors State College in Warner, Okla.

“It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to play at the next level,” Jeffus said.

Jeffus, 17, has played baseball since he was 5.

The Har-Ber High School senior plays as an outfielder for the Wildcats.

“I was part of the 2024 6A state championship team,” Jeffus said.

Jeffus lives in Springdale and is the son of Scot and Sabra Jeffus.

He plans to study exercise science at Connors and looks forward to a career working with athletes.

Blaine Mitchell

Blaine Mitchell, 17, signed a National Letter of Intent Nov. 13 to swim with Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo.

“I feel very privileged and blessed to use the talents that God has given me, and I know that I will continue to get better,” Mitchell said.

The Har-Ber High School senior began swimming about seven years ago.

Although Mitchell had little competitive experience prior to Har-Ber, the student-athlete built his skills as a swimmer during his time with the Wildcats.

He received a medal at state in 2023, made conference all four years of high school and experienced major time drops of 20-30 seconds in the 100 butterfly and freestyle throughout high school.

Mitchell calls Springdale home and is the son of Brandy and Allen Mitchell.

He plans on studying kinesiology in college and aspires to work in physical therapy or as a chiropractor.

Courtland Muldrew

Courtland Muldrew signed a National Letter of Intent Nov. 13 to play basketball for the University of Washington in Seattle.

No additional information was available at the time of publication

Brooklyn Owens

Brooklyn Owens committed to play basketball for Drury University in Springfield, Mo.

Owens said she’s very excited to play college basketball.

“I’m blessed to have an opportunity to play basketball after the high school level,” she said.

Owens, 17, plays as a shooting guard and forward for Har-Ber High School and will compete as a shooting guard for Drury.

The senior has played basketball for 14 years, and counts being on the 2022-23 All Conference team, the Kurm Dream Team, the 3rd Team All-State team and the 2021-22 All-Tournament team as highlights of her high school resume. Owens likewise earned multiple double-doubles, averaged 15 points per game, 890 total points, 32 career high points, was the two-time Holiday Classic Player of the game, played in the All-Tournament Great 8 classic and earned Excellent 8 honors.

“It’s been amazing to be able to play at the 6A level,” Owens said. “I want to thank each and every coach who took part in my journey.”

The student-athlete plans to major in biology and on a career in dermatology.

“I’m looking forward to my next chapter,” she said.

She lives in Rogers and is the daughter of Brian and Yahnea Owens.

Hayden Wood

Senior Hayden Wood signed a National Letter of Intent Nov. 13 to play basketball with Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla.

The 18-year-old said he feels good about the opportunity to compete at the college level.

“I love the sport,” he said, adding he’ll be able to attend college for free as an athlete.

Wood attends Har-Ber High School and will compete as a shooting guard or small forward with Jacksonville.

The Wildcat has played basketball for 13 years and counts being on the 2024 6A West Conference championship team as a highlight of his high school career.

Wood is currently undecided on a major in college but would like to one-day work as professional athlete, coach or teacher.

His parents are Chris and April Wood of Springdale.