Scott McKee BP
One Feather's assistant.Editor
CHEROKEE, N.C. – Rosi Ward, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), will be a two-sport athlete at the next level. During a ceremony at Charles George Memorial Arena on Tuesday, April 30, she signed a letter of intent to play basketball and volleyball at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.
Ward was a member of several very important teams in CHS school history, including the 2023-24 varsity basketball team that won the 1A state championship. She was also a member of the 2023 varsity volleyball team that won the regular season Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) title and the SMC Tournament, becoming the first in school history to win either.
She was named to the All-Conference teams in volleyball for the 2023 season and basketball for the 2023-24 season.
“I can't say enough good things about her,” CHS Assistant Principal Craig Barker told the crowd gathered for Tuesday's autograph session. “Most importantly, she's a young woman of high character. She's accomplished great things here. I'm excited for the next phase of your life. No matter what you accomplish. I’m really looking forward to seeing you there.”
CHS varsity volleyball head coach Pam Sumner Price commented: She was in the middle. she is on the right. Then we moved her to a setter. Roshi never complained. She just said, “Whatever you want me to do, I'll do.” So she's very, very proud of her. ”
Furthermore, she added: “It's amazing that you play two sports…you are just who you are. Johnson & Wales could not be more fortunate to have you in two sports. This is rare. ”
CHS girls varsity basketball head coach Anne Gardner said: She feels like she's going to do great things, not just on the field and on the court, but when she comes back and gives back to her tribe. She thinks she's just a great athlete. She's a utility player, so to speak…she didn't care how big, how small, how fast, how slow. It didn't matter. She was up for the challenge. She is a state champion. ”
“She set the tone for our defense, which made everyone else step up to the plate for us and get the job done. That was indicative of our scores all year. You. I'm so proud of you. I know you'll do great things.”
CHS Principal Dr. Deborah Forst commented: She also does quite well in the classroom. She doesn't like to congratulate herself on that, but she's a very good student and she gets excellent grades. ”
Johnson & Wales is a member of the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) Division II.