Dreams came true for 13 athletes Wednesday, as they signed athletic scholarships with Wallace Community College Selma.

The school held a signing ceremony Wednesday to welcome the lucky group of 13 to the Patriots.

The men’s and women’s basketball teams along with the volleyball team added key players to their teams and are looking for their signees to make an immediate impact.

The women’s team, which is only returning five players due to early graduation, added some much needed depth with four signees and the possibility of four more.

Southside’s Calvondrea Blackmon signed alongside Kaneshia Hayes from Central Tuscaloosa, Katlyn Madison from Tuscaloosa County and Rolanda Pope from Sunshine.

“We think we’ve gotten a marquee group of young ladies that can really help us out in shooting and rebounding,” said women’s basketball coach Herman Turner. “We’re hoping that with this freshmen group that they can get in and really work so we can make an impact in the conference and also have a run for the state title also. We’re expecting them to really step up, and we think with the skills they have, they can.”

Blackmon, who Turner has had many opportunities to see in person, is expected to help the Patriots put more points on the board.

“It is very seldom that you find a 6’2” [player] with her ability,” Turner said. “We’re just happy that she decided to come and stay at home to help us out.”

For Blackmon, playing in front of her home town is a dream come true.

“This is a big step for me. I feel like I’m making a good choice to go to Wallace, and I think this will be a great experience for me,” Blackmon said after signing.

The men’s basketball team, signed Isaiah Coleman from Southside High School, Kent James from Keith High School and Ryan Tindoll from Lowndes Academy.

“This is a good opportunity to play college basketball,” Coleman said. “It will mean a lot to be able to play in front of my family and friends and for them to see me playing college basketball and doing something good with my life.”

James, who expects to play center or power forward, said he is ready to contribute to the team immediately.

“I can run the floor, and I rebound and block shots well,” James said.

The volleyball team added six signees, and coach April Hunter expects to add one more.

Kaylee Smith, Akwanza Robinson, Tadajah Jackson, Isabella Howell, Denequa Harris and Chloe Owens are coach Hunter’s newest signees.

WCCS Athletic Director Marcus Hannah also took a moment to recognize Ki’Onna Likely and Jeffery Mack, who both received all-conference honors for their performance this year.

“It means a lot,” Mack said. “I’m not an explosive player. I just play my role. I just came to play hard.”