COLLEGE SIGNINGS: Thomas Jefferson’s Beard, Myers sign letters of intent

Thomas Jefferson seniors Alivia Beard and Caden Myers officially realized their longtime goals by signing letters of intent on Monday.

Beard signed to play softball at Western Illinois, while Myers put pen to paper to play baseball at Drury.

Beard, an outfielder and first baseman, has played for the Aces Fastpitch club team that is based in Kansas City.

“It means a lot to sign with Western because one of my current teammates is also signing there and we plan on being roommates,” Beard said. “Playing at the next level has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember.” 

As far as her college decision, Beard said WIU felt like the right choice.

“I love the coaches and the family atmosphere,” she said. “When I went on my official visit it immediately felt like home. The girls were so welcoming.” 

Thomas Jefferson does not have a softball program. Beard participates in basketball and track for the Cavaliers. She’s earned all-conference honors on the hardwood and holds school records in track and field. 

“TJ has for sure helped me with my time management with athletics,” Beard said. “I feel like it has prepared me to make time for academics and athletics throughout the year.”

Western Illinois is an NCAA Division I program that competes in the Summit League.  

Myers decided to take his talents to NCAA Division II Drury in Springfield. 

A 5-foot-11, 195-pound third baseman and right-handed pitcher, Myers has been honing his baseball skills with the Kansas Curve traveling team. 

Like Beard, Myers noted making his college decision official was a good feeling.

“I have wanted to play college baseball since I was 8 years old, so finally achieving that goal means the world to me,” Myers said. “I realize how much work people around me have put in to help me play in college, so to finally sign is a huge thank you to my parents and former coaches.”

Myers said Drury had everything he was looking for in a university, athletically and academically.  

“I really like the small private school setting and the Pre-Med program Drury has to offer,” Myers said. “When I realized that Drury had these things along with a great baseball program, it was clear to me that Drury was where I wanted to be.

“It’s honestly an honor to sign with Drury,” Myers added. “Not a lot of kids get a chance to continue their athletic careers past high school, so to be able to do that at a great school like Drury means a lot to me.” 

Thomas Jefferson does not have a baseball program. Myers spent his freshman and sophomore years of high school at Webb City, where he played for the Cardinals. 

“In my time with Webb City and the Kansas Curve, I played many great programs and I think that had a big role on my baseball journey,” Myers said. “Although I’ll graduate from Thomas Jefferson, I’d like to thank Coach (Flave) Darnell and the Webb City baseball program for really making this dream a reality. I appreciate all that you guys have done for me, whether I was in the program or not. Also, I have to give a huge thanks to Theran Crouch at All Access Recruiting for helping me get to where I am today.” 

With his college decision now official, Myers will turn his attention to the basketball season, where he’ll be a key performer for his father Chris Myers’ Cavaliers.