Natalie Whitaker is heading back to Michigan, and convinced a friend to go with her. And Fairfield buckets had a third hooper join the college signing ranks Wednesday in a full day of National Letter of Intent declarations at Fairfield High School.
Whitaker, who moved to Elkhart County two years ago from Constantine, Michigan, is returning to the Wolverine state to continue her basketball and academic careers at Glen Oaks Community College. She won't be alone, as teammate Kaylee Dillon decided to also continue her basketball and academic paths by choosing the Vikings, as well.
Earlier this winter, classmate Cohen Yoder announced he was going to Glen Oaks to continue his baseball journey to start the pipeline of 2024 Fairfield grads headed north.
“It was a funny process, I’ve known the Whitakers for a long time, coaching (sister) Regan and Natalie in AAU,” stated Glen Oaks head coach Robbie Hattan at Wednesday's signing. “We knew Natalie was someone we wanted. When we came down to watch her play, we said, ‘Hey, the Dillon girl can really play!’ We reached out initially and she had no desire to play. But to have her change her mind and want to play for us, that’s a cherry on top.”
Added Fairfield head coach Kyle Hartman, “I’ve just been telling them to trust their heart, follow your heart, do what you feel you need to do. No decision is a wrong decision. Talking to them, it doesn’t matter the level, it’s just the next step in their story. Both of them will have to take their games to the next level. But I am confident both will be successful college basketball players.”
In the afternoon, Smith officially declared his intentions to attend Calumet College of St. Joseph, located in Hammond. Having already made the verbal several weeks ago, Smith was able to focus on the remainder of his senior season and help the Falcons to the semi-state round of the state tournament.
“I thought Carson was excited when he moved here to become part of the school, the team and the community,” said Fairfield head coach Derek Hinen. Smith moved to Fairfield his junior year from the Wawasee district. “We welcomed him in, and even the seniors from a year ago, getting him into our culture and what we envisioned. I think that helped make a positive influence, and his skill level and his buy-in this past season took over. He had the talent, his shooting and his playmaking ability was something we didn’t have a lot of, and that was a huge boost for us.”
Kaylee Dillon, Glen Oaks CC, business major
Accolades: All-NECC 2022, 2023; 2023 Class 3-A State Champion
Thoughts on reviving her basketball career: “It was literally last week when I decided to do this. Natalie and I were talking about it and she mentioned (Glen Oaks) was looking for players, and I thought it would be a fun experience to come back and play basketball again.”
Natalie Whitaker, Glen Oaks CC, business major and flight school
Accolades: 2023 Class 3-A State Champion
Thoughts on returning to Michigan to ball: “I think (Glen Oaks head coach Robbie Hattan) watched me a lot my sophomore year when I played at my old school (Constantine High School) before I moved here. Junior year and senior year here getting back to that point guard position, I think he was able to watch that and see me get better handling the ball and running an offense. It should be fun getting to lead a new team like that.”
Carson Smith, Calumet College of St. Joseph, kinesiology or education
Accolades: All-NECC 2023
Thoughts on advancing as a player at Fairfield: “I have to give credit to my teammates and coaches for giving me a chance. When I moved here, I didn’t expect anything, I had to earn my spot. I feel like the work I put in got me to this position my senior year and now committing to a college to keep playing ball.”