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Two Memorial High School athletes signed letters of intent this week to continue their playing careers into college.

Jernye McZeal and Lynnetra Taylor sat in the Memorial gym Wednesday with their families at tables decorated to represent where they would play college ball next season.

McZeal is going to attend Angelina College on a basketball scholarship, while Taylor is heading to Wiley University on a volleyball scholarship.

Both girls have a head start after graduating last week from Woodrow Wilson Early College with associate degrees.

Memorial volleyball coach Sinclair Mauldin is proud of everything Taylor has been able to accomplish.

“I used to call her Mighty Mouse,” Mauldin said of the 5’1” Taylor. “She was the shortest person on the team. She is the one that out-hustled everyone. She is a complete game changer. She went through adversity, being on JV her junior year and worked her way up to varsity. This year, I wouldn’t have completed the season without my Mighty Mouse.”

Taylor is thankful for everything Memorial and her coaches taught her.

“I am glad to be going to Wiley on a full-ride scholarship,” she said. “I really worked hard for this. I am thankful the coached reached out and thankful for my coaches for emailing them.”

Memorial girls basketball coach Kevin Henry said it was an honor to coach McZeal.

“We have had some disagreements,” he said, laughing. “Overall, it was for the betterment of the team and program. I wish her all of the success. We hope to see her playing a year there and going to a bigger and better university.

“I want to congratulate both of them on getting their associate degrees. That is something a lot of people don’t do. They did it while receiving their high school diplomas. That shows a lot of dedication to academics and athletics.”

McZeal, who was one of the Titans’ leaders on the court this season, thanked everyone who supported her.

“I am sad I am leaving,” she said. “I wish I could play one more year. I know y’all enjoyed watching me play and I enjoyed playing.”