Six Fort Mill High seniors have committed to play college athletics next year.

Three baseball players and three soccer players will all be putting on their cleats at institutes of higher learning throughout the state.

Shane Whitman

A third baseman, Whitman will be part of the first ever baseball team at the University of South Carolina--Lancaster (USC-L).

Earlier in the year, Whitman wasn't sure about playing college baseball, but quickly became interested when he heard about USC-L.

"I changed my mind and got the opportunity," he said. "When the opportunity came up, I decided to take it."

Whitman hit .226 with seven RBIs and 10 runs this past year for Fort Mill. He started playing baseball at such an early age - 3 - that his parents, Kim and Steve, had to take him to Rock Hill to play T-ball because Fort Mill didn't have any teams that he could play on at such a young age.

"I like the idea of being able to play baseball at the next level and being able to play close to home," he said.

Since USC-L is a junior college, Whitman said he plans on looking to transfer to a college where he can still play baseball after those two years and knows the two years at USC-L should help.

"It will get me ready," he said.

He is undecided about a major.

Kyle Hartley

Hartley, an outfielder, will be joining his teammate at USC-L. Both Whitman and Hartley will be rooming together and for Hartley, the opportunity to play at the next level is also what interest him. They have been playing baseball together since Little League.

Because of the USC-L program is new, Hartley said he hopes to make an impact quickly.

"It will be a good opportunity to start," he said.

Hartley hit .346 with one home run and 10 RBIs for Fort Mill during his senior season.

He also looked at USC-Beaufort, but decided that USC-L was the best fit.

"It's a small school and it wouldn't be a huge step for me," he said. "It will be a whole lot easier and feel more comfortable for me."

Hartley, like Whitman, said he wanted to stay close to home so his parents, Michele and Jesse, could come see him play.

Hartley plans on majoring in physical education.

Garrett Koster

The third baseball player from Fort Mill to sign had already taken care of business almost two years ago.

Koster committed to play baseball at Winthrop University between his sophomore and junior years of school. Having attended a camp at the school, Koster knew he need not look anywhere else.

"Just being at the camp and how Coach (Joe) Hudak taught the game, I knew I wanted to go there," he said. "I wanted to be close to home for my family."

His parents are Gayle and Keith Koster.

But being close to home and committing to Winthrop early, didn't stop other schools from looking at him and trying to get him to come their way.

Koster received attention from Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, University of Connecticut, University of Arkansas, East Carolina University, University of South Florida, Virginia Tech University, UNC-Asheville and Penn State University among others.

This past season, Koster hit .412 with three home runs and 18 RBIs for Fort Mill.

But his play hasn't just caught the eyes colleges. He has also caught the eyes of some major league scouts. He received an invitation from the Atlanta Braves to participate in their East Coast Professional Showcase last summer and was invited to play for the Arizona Diamondbacks scout team as well. He has also received attention from the Los Angeles Angels, Oakland A's and New York Yankees and come June 5-6 may here his name called as part of the Major League Baseball draft.

"I hadn't through about it much," he said. 'I just will let it come to me."

For now, Winthrop is his destination. He plans on majoring in sports management.

Megan Killmeyer

Killmeyer's athletic ability could have easily taken her to the basketball court for college rather than the soccer field.

A leader on the hardwood as well, Killmeyer will be playing her sport of choice in soccer next year at USC-Aiken. She has been playing the sports since she was 9.

"I really like in soccer how height isn't a factor," she said. "I really like the pace of the game."

Killmeyer looked at Converse College and Columbia College, and had offers to play basketball, but felt most comfortable at USC-Aiken. She plans on majoring in nursing.

"I like the location and size and how close it is to a hospital," she said.

Killmeyer said she could have a chance to start right away and play center midfield. She has played three years on the varsity level at Fort Mill.

She is the daughter of Diane Killmeyer.

Lexi Wilden

Like Killmeyer, Wilden will be playing soccer at Erskine

College.

Wilden has been playing soccer for nine years and says there isn't one thing about the sport that she likes over the other.

"I don't have one particular thing," she said. "I like scoring. I love playing with a team. I like the competition."

Wilden had looked at Appalachian State University, Coastal Carolina University, Lander University, Belmont-Abbey College and Newberry College.

A business major, Wilden didn't want to visit Erskine at first, but was glad she did. She is the daughter of Rick Wilden.

"Once I got there, I fell in love with it," she said. "The coach and the school itself had a really good business program."

Wilden has played three years on the varsity level and some as a freshman. A forward this year, Wilden might not be in that spot with Erskine.

"It's really competitive and we have to come for each spot," she said. "It's not guaranteed."

Ryan Fielden

Fielden will be playing soccer at Newberry College, continuing to do something he has been doing since he was 5.

"I have a huge love for the game," he said. "Every year, I tried to progress to become better and it give me more love for the game."

Planning on majoring in business, Fielden looked at several options and had colleges from upstate New York to consider. More locally, he looked at Francis Marion University, Spartanburg Methodist College and Barton College.

But Fielden said he felt a connection with Newberry and its soccer coach Samuel Okpodu.

"I really like his philosophy on things," Fielden said. "He seemed like he knew a lot. I felt like this was the right choice."

Fielden said he may have to fight for a starting spot, but is willing to do so. He is the son of Colleen Fielden.