If more proof was needed to back up the often-repeated phrase ‘hard work pays off,’ the smiling faces of five Killeen ISD student-athletes Wednesday served as the perfect piece of evidence.
Taking advantage of the early signing period for college football and basketball recruits, Ellison’s Prince Hall and Shoemaker’s Terrance Brown Jr., Jamal Polite Jr. Troy Pless and Beres Henry made their commitments official at joyous signing day ceremonies.
Their next destinations:
· Hall, a wide receiver, is headed to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
· Brown Jr., and offensive lineman, chose Texas State
· Polite Jr., a wide receiver, will attend Washington State
· Pless, an offensive lineman, signed with Houston
· Henry, a forward for the Grey Wolves basketball team, inked his name with Newman University.
“It’s feels amazing. It means the world,” said Hall, who will graduate later this month and enroll early in San Antonio. “A bunch of people in my family have always wanted me to go to college and get a degree, and I get to do that for free. Glory to God.”
Each ceremony had its share of heartfelt words, both funny and motivating anecdotes about the players’ personalities and high school careers, long lists of academic and athletic accolades, and plenty of applause as the athletes reached their Division I dreams.
Basketball head coach Alberto Jones Jr. and football head coach Danny Servance commended Hall’s work ethic and desire to be a good teammate, before Hall, who had 63 catches for 935 yards and eight TDs, and was a first-team all-district pick this season, stepped to the podium.
The senior thanked those who helped him reach his goal and then poignantly dedicated the day to his mother, who unexpectedly passed away in October.
“Her memory will live on through me,” Hall said.
Shoemaker head coach Toby Foreman beamed with pride as he introduced Polite, Brown and Pless to a large crowd of family, friends, coaches, teachers and administrators inside the gym.
Foreman lauded the players’ steadfast loyalty to the program and exhaustive effort on the field and in the class room.
Basketball head coach Karron Taylor noted Henry’s eagerness to spend hours in the gym, working on his craft.
Basking in their opportunity, the athletes shared their thoughts about taking the next steps.
“I’m very grateful that I get to pursue my collegiate dreams,” Henry said.
“I feel extremely blessed. I wasn’t expecting to go to a school like this, but everything worked in my favor,” said Polite, who closed the 2025 season with 37 catches for 976 yards and 11 touchdowns..
“It’s a blessing, for real,” Brown said.
“It’s honestly a blessing. I know all the hard work I put it, and it’s paying off. I have the chance to play at a big level, so it’s all just a blessing,” Pless said.
More photos from Hall’s signing can be viewed here.
More photos from the SHS signings can be viewed here.