Detroit’s Cass Tech sends seven student-athletes to Division I programs, including a history-making first. A historic moment for DPSCD and a proud day for Detroit sports culture.
Detroit’s legendary Cass Technical High School had reason to celebrate this week as seven of its standout student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to compete at NCAA Division 1 programs. The announcement marked a major moment for the school, for Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), and for the families who watched years of hard work manifest into life-changing opportunities.
Among the signees were six football players and one female soccer star, and it was that soccer signing that made district history. Senior MaKayla Galloway became the first female student-athlete in DPSCD to earn a Division 1 scholarship for soccer, committing to Abilene Christian University in Texas.
Reflecting on her milestone, Galloway told WXYZ-TV, “My dad put me in it, and ever since then, I fell in love with it.” When informed she was making district history, she responded, “It means the world to me… I didn’t know I had that much of a big impact. Now that I know, it’s pretty exciting.”
Football Stars Move on to National Powerhouses
One of the most high-profile signees was Corey Sadler Jr., a “Mr. Football” finalist who committed to the University of North Carolina, where he will be coached by Bill Belichick. Sadler told WXYZ-TV, “It’s happening, so I just thank God… I know I’m in great hands at North Carolina.”
Another standout, Emory Jones III, chose an Ivy League pathway at Dartmouth College, embracing both academic rigor and athletic excellence. He explained to WXYZ-TV, “Ivy League, Dartmouth is one of the most winning programs out there. And then in the classroom, they preach success there… I’ve had great grades all through high school. Being academically sound, that’s important.”
A Moment of Pride for Cass Tech and Detroit
Cass Tech Principal Lisa Phillips said the accomplishments of this group counter negative perceptions about Detroit’s youth. She told WXYZ-TV, “When people say what’s not happening in the city of Detroit with our young people, we’re doing it… we’re getting it done with all of our students.”
While not all seven signees were highlighted individually, the class represents a range of competitive college programs across the country, further cementing Cass Tech’s reputation as one of the strongest athletic pipelines in Michigan.
The Bigger Picture
For Galloway, Sadler Jr., Jones III, and their classmates, signing day was more than a ceremony, it was a moment of collective pride for Detroit. Their achievements are a testament to mentorship, family support, academic commitment, and the culture of excellence fostered inside Cass Tech’s halls.