ACA celebrates Signing Day
Five Lions pen commitments to collegiate programs
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
November 15, 2021
ACA senior DeAnte Green was one of five Lions athletes recognized in a Signing Day ceremony in the school on Nov. 15. Photo by Fred McCormick
Coaches, family members, teammates and friends gathered in the gymnasium at Asheville Christian Academy, Nov. 15, to celebrate the next chapters in the athletic careers of five students.
As the Signing Day ceremony reached its conclusion, Lilli Johnson, DeAnte Green, Joshua Morgan, Luke Collier and Ben Michael each made their collegiate choices official.
Three Lions athletic programs were represented in the event, which began with the introduction of Johnson, who will continue her soccer career at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. ACA women’s soccer head coach Brenton Benware praised the senior for her commitment to the sport.
“I could rave about you for quite a while,” Benware told his player. “But, I really want to let you know how proud we all are of you.”
Lions head soccer coach Brenton Benware praises senior Lilli Johnson for her commitment to the sport, and her teammates, in a Signing Day Ceremony on Nov. 15. Photo by Fred McCormick
The coach highlighted Johnson’s willingness to do extra work in her career with the Lions.
“In my opinion, an elite athlete is separated from a good athlete when they commit to do more,” he said. “That includes things like training, fitness, strength and technical sharpness. I don’t know anyone who pursues that more than you.”
Johnson’s desire to place the team culture ahead of her own personal accolades also sets her apart, Benware continued.
“You’re always thinking about the people around you,” he said. “It’s evident when you’re on the field that you’re thinking about your teammates, coaches and the right way to do things.”
Senior basketball standout, DeAnte Green, who verbally committed to Florida State University in October, was the second Lions athlete recognized in the ceremony. The 6-foot-10-inch power forward received offers from the University of North Carolina, University of South Carolina and more than a dozen other NCAA Division I programs.
ACA men’s basketball head coach Andy Ray congratulated Green and his family on the athlete’s decision to play for the Seminoles.
“It’s been a lot of hard work,” Ray said to Green. “Hours and hours of travel, and all kinds of effort have gone into that.”
Green’s passion for the game, his family and teammates is among the qualities that have allowed him to stand out on the court, his coach added.
“Those things will carry you much further than the game itself will,” Ray said. “It’s a joy to watch that right now. It’s a blessing and a privilege to have you bring the attitude and effort you have to practice, and into game situations.”
Three Lions baseball players finalized their college commitments together, as head coach Chris Zaccaro recognized Morgan, Collier and Michael for their contributions to the program.
“Every college coach wants players who have talent, an exemplary work ethic and who serve as an example of how to act, on and off the field,” Zaccaro said. “I’ve been blessed to coach all of you for five years, and the three of you epitomize all of that.”
ACA head baseball coach Chris Zaccaro introduces Ben Michael, Joshua Morgan and Luke Collier on Nov. 15. The trio of Lions players finalized their collegiate plans during a Signing Day ceremony at the school. Photo by Fred McCormick
Michael, an outfielder and pitcher for the Lions, signed to play for the program at Lenoir-Rhyne University, while his teammate Collier, a shortstop and pitcher, will continue his career at Lee University in Tennessee. Morgan, a catcher and utility player for ACA, will head to Shelby to join the Cleveland Community College Yetis on the baseball diamond.
“I’ve coached baseball since 2004, and I’ve had around 17 or 18 guys go on to play college baseball,” Zaccaro said. “I would describe you three as the best at what you do, of all the players I’ve coached. Luke, you’re the best shortstop I’ve ever had the honor of coaching; Michael, you’re the best outfielder I’ve ever had the honor of coaching and Josh, you’re the best catcher and one of the best hitters I’ve ever had the honor of coaching.”
All five signees will continue to represent the Lions on the field or court in the 2021-22 school year. Green, and the ACA men’s basketball team, are currently 2-0 on the season, which runs through February. The school’s soccer and baseball seasons begin in the spring.