Nixa High School hosted its winter National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

Nixa inked 11 athletes to the next level. See below who signed where, why they chose their respective school, and what they plan on studying.

Will Johnston: Lenior-Rhyne University, Golf
Decision: I chose Lenior-Rhyne because both my parents went there, and a lot of my family on my mom's side as well. I was also born in the town the college is in, so I'm already very familiar with the area and the college.
Intended Major: Business

Aydan Willoughby: Mineral Area College, Golf
Decision: I chose Mineral Area because of the coaches, campus, and overall atmosphere. There were a couple of other schools, but I ultimately went with Mineral.
Intended Major: Business

Emma Nguyen: Missouri Valley College, Flag Football
Decision: I chose Missouri Valley because I fell in love with the campus and all of the staff. Since it was a smaller college, I was able to meet many professors and build relationships from my very first time on campus. I had other offers, but I narrowed it down to Missouri Valley and William Woods University, and ultimately chose Missouri Valley after meeting all the staff and seeing how invested they were in me, not only athletically but also academically. 
Intended Major: Exercise Science to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Emily Peterson: Truman State University, Tennis
Decision: I chose Truman State because when I had the chance to practice with the team, everyone made me feel like I truly belonged. The coaches and players were welcoming, and I could see myself growing both as an athlete and a student there. The school is the right size for me, with a solid tennis team and strong conference competition. I looked at some other relatively local schools, but I didn't get the same feeling from them. Truman was clearly the right fit for me.
Intended Major: Mathematics and Education

Alexa Tapprich: Crowder College, Golf
Decision: I chose Crowder because it truly feels like the right starting point for me. The agricultural programs are strong, and the golf program is a great fit. It's close to home, and they accept A+. With my anticipated major requiring eight years of college, Crowder checked every box for starting my academic path in a smart and affordable way. I didn't find any other schools that offered Pre-Vet Med and golf in a way that made sense for me. Crowder was the only place where everything lined up, academically, athletically, and personally. 
Intended Major: At Crowder, I will be in the Pre-Vet Med program, building the foundation I need to become a veterinarian.

Henley Dougan: William Woods University, Baseball
Decision: I ultimately chose William Woods because there are currently four Nixa alums at Woods that I know pretty well and grew up with. They all have told me that they love the coaching staff, the players, and even the area. The coaching staff was extremely friendly, and because they know Nixa so well, they had no hesitation in replying when I reached out for the first time. I was interested in Mineral Area and Evangel because my brother played at both, and he said he liked them a lot.
Intended Major: Business