Trio of championship Seahawks sign to compete in college

Ben Gilman has spent the past four years running for a powerhouse at Hilton Head Island. He’ll spend the next four helping to build a program.

Now a two-time individual state champion in cross country, Gilman signed with Lee University as one of three Seahawks who locked in their college options during ceremonies Wednesday. Joining him at the signing table were swimmer Lily Kerr (Arkansas-Little Rock) and volleyball’s Da’Nesha Miller (North Carolina Central).

“It was a huge relief, being able to sign it,” said Gilman, who joined younger brother Sam in a 1-2 finish at the Class 4A state meet earlier this month in Columbia.

The Seahawks captured their fourth consecutive team title at the meet and also won the boys’ Class 3A track and field crown last spring on the strength of their distance running.

“It’s been really fulfilling,” Gilman said. “I’ve had a great four years here, and running with my brother has been awesome. I feel like I’ve been able to make a big impact.”

Lee University, in Cleveland, Tenn., just captured its first Division II regional title and seeks a top-10 finish at this weekend’s nationals.

Kerr and Miller also have been part of state championships during their time as Seahawks — two in swimming and one in volleyball.

Kerr, whose sister Holly just helped the Seahawks capture the 4A Lower State girls’ tennis crown, made Arkansas-Little Rock her first visit and never wavered off her love for the school. She’ll swim distance events for the Trojans.

“When I touched down, I really loved the campus and the team,” she said. “The environment there is so encouraging.”

Miller, an outside hitter, played key roles in Hilton Head’s state volleyball crown last year and runner-up finish the season prior. Putting smaller schools on hold, she waited for a Division I offer and got it when N.C. Central called late in the process.

“I was kind of feeling something would come,” she said. “I was just waiting for the day, and the day finally came. When that phone call came, I was very excited.”

N.C. Central is in the process of moving up from the Division II level to the top classification.

This story was originally published November 16, 2016 at 7:18 PM with the headline "Trio of championship Seahawks sign to compete in college."