ROGERS -- Elleson Dunagin and Carly Holland both had multiple scholarship offers in their respective sports, but they had one thing in common.
The Rogers Heritage pair had no doubt where each one wanted to go.
Holland turned down offers from schools such as Houston and Cincinnati to stay much closer to home and swim at Arkansas, while Dunagin also chose to stay close, opting to play volleyball at Central Arkansas.
Both seniors signed letters of intent at a ceremony Wednesday.
Holland, who won two events at the Class 6A-7A state swimming and diving championships as a junior, said signing to swim in college was a goal she's worked toward since starting to swim competitively at age 7.
"Oh gosh yes," Holland said. "It's something I've worked for for a long a time. It's something that's been in my family. I have an older brother and younger brother and my mom swam, too."
Holland had Division I offers from Houston, Cincinnati, Georgia Southern and Missouri State as well as many Division II schools. Arkansas was the overwhelming choice.
"The U of A has always been my dream school," Holland said.
Holland set the state record in the 100-yard backstroke last year, while winning that event and the 100 freestyle. Heritage swimming coach Julie Sakalares is looking for more big things from her this season.
Sakalares, who swam collegiately at Georgia, also understands what Holland will experience.
"I see Carly kinda like myself in that I peaked in high school, then peaked again in college," Sakalares said. "I think she's gonna be set up to peak in college. The SEC swimming is just a great conference. Being there in those dual meets, it's the neatest experience, and I'm excited for her.
"Her confidence has grown tremendously each year. Maybe we put her in a couple different events this year, we haven't really decided."
Dunagin only visited one college campus, but she knew it was the one.
"This summer I visited, and I just said this is where I want to be," Dunagin said. "I got a lot of letters earlier, but I never really pursued any of them. But you know when people try on their wedding dress and they say 'this is it.' I had that aha moment when I visited the campus."
The three-time all-conference and all-state outside hitter helped lead the Lady War Eagles back to the Class 7A state quarterfinals for the second consecutive year.
Dunagin, a 6-foot outside hitter, leaves Heritage with school records in a variety of categories, beginning with kills.
Heritage volleyball coach Sarah Miser encouraged Dunagin to visit other campuses at least just for the experience, but she was strong in her convictions.
"She came back and told me 'I don't want to look anymore,'" Miser said. "I told her to step on three campuses, but she has a good head on her shoulders."
"She's a great talent, and I thought she had a great senior year, but more than that she had a positive attitude and work ethic."
Sports on 11/19/2015