(L to R, Front): Chad Cofield (father), JT Cofield, Whitney Cofield (mother), Angie Cook (mother), Lauren Cook, Bryan Cook (father), and Glenn Cook (grandfather); (Back): VHA Baseball Coach Seth Sitzman, and VHA Track Coach Jeff McCormick.

Last Friday was a big day at Vidalia Heritage Academy. For the first time in school history two student athletes signed letters of intent for scholarships at the NCAA level. JT Cofield signed to play baseball at Augusta University and Lauren Cook signed to run track at Berry College in Rome. 

Cofield has been an outstanding athlete for the Eagles and his pitching skills helped VHA win a State Championship. He had surgery last year on his arm and has come back from adversity and has been on the mound this season pitching better than ever.

"This day means a lot to me. I want to thank my whole family, Coach Sitzman, my dad and other coaches, teammates for helping me get to this point. I can't wait to go to Augusta University. I like the campus and the coaches really made me feel like I belong there." Cofield said.

"We are so proud of JT. He has come back stronger from two surgeries, not laying down, but went straight to the weight room and worked hard to get back and improve. He has been wanting to do this his whole life and God has blessed him to get him to where he is now. We are excited for this opportunity and can't wait to make the short drive to see him play. He has made his daddy really proud." Chad Cofield said.

VHA Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Seth Sitzman, "He has really pushed himself from coming back from Tommy John surgery. He has been in the weight room and really worked his butt off to to get better. He has gone from throwing 84 to being in the 90's and has great control. He is doing things the right way and has been a leader for us over the years. We are excited to see where he can go with this great opportunity."

Cook has been a great runner for VHA and brought home ten individual State Championships. She has also overcome a lot of adversity over the years including back surgery.

"I chose Berry College because I just loved it there. The campus is beautiful and everyone that I have met there was great and made me feel part of the team. The coaches were easy to talk to and made me feel like I could form a relationship and they could help me get better. I would like to thank God first after everything that i have been through. I want to thank my parents for all of their work and sacrifice,they made sure I had great coaches, especially Coach Devin Frails.I want to thank my teammates who have really helped me over the years." Cook stated.

"We are really excited for her and she has worked hard to get here. It is more about her testimony and this gives her a bigger platform. After the 2019 season she had to have back surgery and she wasn't sure if she could ever compete again. But she now has ten State Titles and has put in the work to get to this point. We are really excited to see what God has planned for her future." Bryan Cook said.

Head of School and Track Coach Jeff McCormick said,"It is a big day for VHA. We have had others that have signed, but these are the first to go to this level. Lauren has a great work ethic, she does it all and leads by example. She keeps getting better with her times and jumps and keeps impressing us. She is one of the top students and has been a joy to have in the classroom. It is a big day for her and family and we are excited for her and for her future."