North Bay Haven volleyball celebrates historic signing day
· Yahoo Sports
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — A historic moment for North Bay Haven volleyball was celebrated on signing day Wednesday afternoon as three athletes committed to continue their careers at the collegiate level.
Head coach Emersonn Cabatu called the moment “the pinnacle of any coaching career,” as Fischer Pittman, Sabrina Harris and Tyler Worrell each signed to play at the next level.
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Pittman signed with Webber International University, Harris inked with Lurleen B. Wallace Community College and Worrell signed with Warner University. Pittman and Worrell became the first boys volleyball players to sign in the history of Bay County.
“To have three athletes signed today — especially two boys with the sport only being here for two years — is incredible,” Cabatu said. “I’m filled with gratitude and appreciation that they’ve earned this opportunity.”
Cabatu added that while the program continues to grow, the focus remains on character.
“We’ve always centered on who they’re going to be beyond high school,” he said. “Perseverance, grit and tenacity — those are the traits that define these players.”
Fischer Pittman, Webber International University
Pittman, who said he has dreamed of signing since sixth grade, described the moment as both emotional and rewarding.
“When I finally signed, I felt very happy and relieved,” Pittman said. “It’s been such a long process, and it honestly feels like a miracle.”
He credited the program’s family atmosphere and coaching staff for his development.
“The atmosphere around this team is very much a family,” Pittman said. “They treat us with so much respect and love, and that pushes us to get better every day.”
Pittman said the support he received from Webber’s coaching staff made his decision clear.
“They have amazing energy, and the program feels like a family,” he said. “Coach Dugas has shown me so much support.”
Tyler Worrell, Warner University
Worrell said the introduction of boys volleyball in Bay County helped spark a dream he didn’t initially think was possible.
“When I first heard boys volleyball was coming here, it was the beginning of my dream,” Worrell said. “I never thought I’d get the chance to play in college.”
Now, he said, signing is something he deeply appreciates being able to do.
“I’m super excited, and it’s something I’ll never take for granted,” he said.
Worrell credited the program for helping him grow both physically and mentally.
“They taught me how to be a good teammate and how important the mental side of the game is,” he said. “That’s something I’ve really worked to improve.”
Sabrina Harris, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Harris said the opportunity to continue her volleyball career came into focus during her senior year after initially considering stepping away from the sport.
“I couldn’t imagine not playing volleyball in college,” Harris said. “Being able to say I’m going to play at the next level means a lot.”
She said the close-knit culture at North Bay Haven will be one of the hardest things to leave behind.
“We’re all so close — it’s like a family,” Harris said. “I’m definitely going to miss that.”
Harris added that the coaching staff played a key role in preparing her for the next level.
“They’ve always pushed me and supported me,” she said. “They helped build my confidence.”
Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at [email protected] or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: North Bay Haven volleyball athletes sign to colleges