Springdale High School

Bulldog Alex Conley committed to play football for Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo.

“I feel great and can’t wait to start,” Conley said.

Conley, 18, plays on the defensive line for Springdale High School. The senior will play the same position for Culver-Stockton.

He’s played football for 13 years, was a 2025 honorable mention and was Defensive Player of the Week against Fayetteville High School.

Conley lives in Fayetteville and is the son of Naketa and Steve Conley.

The student-athlete plans on studying sports medicine in college and hopes to compete in the National Football League.

Xavier Engle committed to play football for Hendrix College in Conway.

“I feel great, because this has been a dream,” he said.

Engle, 18, plays as a center for Springdale High School, the same position he’ll play at Hendrix.

The senior has played football for 12 years and was a member of the 2024 All-State team.

Engle calls Springdale home and is the son of Rachel Engle and Sergio Rivera.

The student-athlete plans on studying business in college with the goal of perhaps becoming a locomotive engineer.

Senior Hadley James signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball for National Park College in Hot Springs.

“Signing to a college for softball is an amazing experience. It feels like all the training, sacrifices, and dedication have finally paid off,” James said. “There's a mix of excitement and nervousness about what lies ahead, but the opportunities to grow and excel are thrilling. This moment signifies the start of a new chapter, filled with potential and the chance to achieve even more.”

James, 17, competes for Springdale High School and has played softball for 13 years.

The catcher was Rookie of the Year in 2022 and was part of the 2024 All-Conference team for the Bulldogs.

James plans on majoring in biology at National Park and hopes to become a pharmacist.

She calls Springdale home and is the daughter of Holly Almond.

“I’d like to thank all the coaches who have helped me get to where I am today. Without each of them, I would not be where I am,” James said. “I want to thank my mom for being my biggest supporter through all the years and for all the sacrifices she has made for me to be able to play the sport I love. I will be forever grateful.”

Lajket Kannangaki, 19, signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

“It is a dream come true for me,” Kannangaki said. “I am beyond excited and can't wait to get to work!”

The Springdale High School student-athlete will play as a fullback for Central Arkansas.

Kannangaki, a senior, has played football since he was in the third grade.

He counts playing on the 2024 7A West First Team All-Conference team, being named as a 2025 7A West All-Conference Honorable Mention and securing 176 carries, 884 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 and 42 Tackles, 8.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and a touchdown for the 2025 season among his high school career highlights.

“I am so thankful for my coaches, family and friends for pouring into me and helping me become who I am today,” Kannangaki said.

He calls Springdale home and plans on studying education in college.

“I want to pursue my dream of playing football at a high level as long as I can,” Kannangaki said.

He is the son of Rina and Kannangaki Kakaro.

Starnie Leas committed to play soccer for the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville.

“I feel accomplished,” Leas said of playing sports at the college level.

Leas, 18, is a senior at Springdale High School.

The student-athlete competes for the Bulldogs as a goalkeeper and will compete for the Eagles in the same position.

Leas is from Springdale and has played soccer for two years.

She was named the 2024 6A West Newcomer of the Year.

Leas is from Springdale and is the daughter of Queenie Chinglong.

She plans on studying business at the University of the Ozarks and aspires to be a pastry chef.

Jayven Polite signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for Coffeyville Community College in Kansas.

“I feel amazing this is bigger than just committing to a college,” Polite said. “It’s me setting an example for the younger people in my family to do better and go to college.”

Polite attends Archer Learning Center but plays left tackle for Springdale High School.

The senior has played football for 14 years and is proud to be part of the 2024 winning program for the Bulldogs.

Polite, 18, lives in Springdale and expressed his thanks to those who’ve supported his athletic career.

“Big appreciation to Mr. Stanley,” he said. “I never thought college would be an option until he stepped in and helped me succeed through the education part of things.”

Polite also thanked his mother, Majesta Moore, for staying at his side through the ups and downs of life.

“She’s always been my reason why to do things,” he said.

Polite plans on studying marketing in college and aspires to become a high school coach.

Wildcat Ben Quinlan committed to play football for Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.

Quinlan said playing football in college has been a lifelong dream of his.

“I’m super excited to develop and grow as an athlete and a man,” he said. “I want to compete and win at a high level, and I’m looking forward to playing against former teammates.”

Quinlan, 17, is a senior at Har-Ber High School.

He’ll compete on the field as a linebacker for Henderson, the same position he plays for Har-Ber.

Quinlan has played football for 12 years and finished his senior season with 101 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass break up. He likewise earned 2024 All-Conference honors, was a three-time State Farm Defensive Player of the Game, a two-time Arkansas Democrat Gazette Player of the Week and was team voted as the Most Valuable Defensive Player, Hardest Hitter and Team Captain.

He plans on studying finance or aviation in college in hopes of becoming an investment banker or pilot.

He is the son of Pat and Christine Quinlan of Springdale.

“All glory to God for giving me the opportunity and abilities to play at the second level,” Quinlan said.

Josie Samarin of Springdale High School signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball for Delta State University, in Cleveland, Miss.

“Signing to Delta is an exciting and meaningful accomplishment,” Samarin said. “It reflects my dedication and hard work while having the opportunity to continue pursuing both my academic and athletic goals at a higher level.”

Samarin, 17, said she's played softball since she was old enough to pick up a bat.

The senior competes as a pitcher and in the infield for the Bulldogs and will pitch for the Fighting Okra.

Samarin calls Springdale home and counts winning the 6A West All Conference championship and breaking two school records among her high school career highlights.

She plans on studying prelaw and social work at Delta and aspires to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law in the future.

She is the daughter of Joe and Alisha Samarin, who she thanked.

“I just want to thank everyone for everything,” Samarin said. “My mom for always providing the snacks and care I need. My dad for teaching me everything I need to know, not only on the field, but out in the real world as well. Coach Camp for being the support I need in the dugout and when I just need someone to talk to. And finally, all of the coaches I've grown up with.”

Information on the below student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent was not available at the time of publication.

Watch the Har-Ber High School Signing Day livestream HERE.

View all Har-Ber-High School photos HERE.

View all Springdale High School Signing Day photos HERE.