By Jalisa Bannerman, SMSB Journalist, Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation
Detroit, MI – December 4, 2025 –Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) is proud to announce that 52 Class of 2026 student‑athletes have signed their national letters of intent on National Signing Day, marking an important milestone in their journey to and through college.
Celebrating our student‑athletes
These seniors have taken part in a continuum of SMSB programs and events, including SMSB Elite, the National College Showcase, the SMSB OST Program, the United States Department of Education Talent Search Program, HS 7‑on‑7, and MAX EX, with many participating year after year. Together, these experiences created key platforms for competition, high‑level coaching, and college access while reinforcing SMSB’s mission to increase high school graduation, college readiness, and postsecondary enrollment for students in various communities.
Exposure, recruiting, and networks
The National College Showcase and 7‑on‑7 platforms provided combine metrics, media coverage, and recruiting exposure, connecting student‑athletes directly with Division I, II, and III programs. Student‑athletes also benefited from NFL‑style combine testing, position‑specific skill development, technique drills, and seminars led by college coaches and recruiting experts that equipped them for the next level on the field and in the classroom.
College readiness in action
Through SMSB, participants engaged in elite training, college readiness workshops, college tours, mentorship, and year‑round academic and life‑skills support, including FAFSA and career guidance, tutoring, and SAT prep. Through coach Q&A sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, families gained real‑time insight into the recruiting process and college expectations, strengthening each student’s path from prospect to signed college student‑athlete.
Advancing the SMSB mission
This signing class reflects SMSB’s commitment to using athletics as a vehicle to improve persistence, graduation, and college enrollment for young people across Detroit and beyond. SMSB congratulates these 52 student‑athletes, their families, coaches, and school partners and looks forward to supporting many more scholars as they prepare, persist, and succeed in college and life.
