STAFF PHOTOS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
TODD, OCC COACH, AND PARENTS … Delta High School senior Abbey Todd (center right) is joined by Oakland Community College girls’ basketball Head Coach Robert Belf, Jr. (left), and parents Paul (right) and Ashley Todd (center left), during a ceremony at the school to recognize her declaring her intent to attend and play basketball for the college.
GILLEN AND PARENTS … Delta High School senior Keagyn Gillen (center) is joined by parents Jeremy (right) and Kelsey (left), during a ceremony at the school to recognize her declaring her intent to attend and play basketball for Trine University.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
A pair of Delta High School seniors were celebrated Tuesday after declaring their intent to attend and play basketball for area colleges.
Abbey Todd and Keagyn Gillen will be attending and competing for Oakland Community College and Trine University, respectively. Todd will major in nursing while Gillen will be pursuing her degree in biology.
Todd said a representative from Oakland initially reached out to her about attending the school.
“I was really interested in playing after high school, and after I had a visit there I really liked the campus, I really liked the environment there, I like the way they play,” Todd said. “I just thought it would be really fun.”
She said her favorite part of her basketball career at Delta was the environment and the supportive coaching staff.
Her parents, Paul and Ashley Todd, were both in attendance at the ceremony. “I’m excited for her, seeing all the work she put in out of season and doing AAU ball and staying true to her wanting to play,” Paul said.
“I’m just nothing but ecstatic for her. It’s such a great feeling knowing that she’s going to move on and continue her education and being able to play ball still.”
Ashley echoed his sentiments. “I’m beyond proud of her, still can’t believe we’re here, that she’s graduating, but we’re beyond proud of her. I’m so happy she’s going on to continue her basketball career,” Ashley said.
Gillen’s parents, Jeremy and Kelsey Gillen, were also present for the event. “I’m very excited for her, for her career moving forward whether it’s this or her college career in general. I’m excited to see her grow into an adult and this is just another step in that.
“She’s a very smart person and will do very well in college, so we’re just excited to see how she does and where she goes from here,” Jeremy said.
Kelsey, who is also the head coach of the high school’s girls basketball team, shared her pride in her daughter’s work and choices.
“I’m excited for her, proud of her for the hard work she’s put in and the desire to continue her athletic career. Our whole team has worked hard — for the seniors, the last four years.
“I’m just excited that she even has that desire to continue to play. So many of them, after their season ends, it’s done, they’re done, and she enjoyed it enough to want to continue, so I’m happy for her,” Kelsey said.
