Wiggall signs with Black Hills State

Comets goalkeeper Zoe Wiggall was celebrated by her teammates, coach, and more during a signing ceremony Friday afternoon at Western Iowa Tech.

Wiggall, a sophomore from Dunfermline, Scotland, signed to continue her soccer career at Black Hills State University, an NCAA Division II school in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Women's soccer head coach Eddie Vongsiprasom, athletic director Mike Brown, president Dr. Terry Murrell and other admin, faculty and staff were in attendance.

"Zoe, I can't say enough about her," Vongsiprasom said. "She's the backbone of this team. I'm truly excited and honored to coach her, see her passion for the game. She lives and breathes soccer."

As the first women's soccer player to commit to a university, Vongsiprasom acknowledged the significance of the moment. 

"It's a special day for, not just Zoe, but our program here at Western Iowa Tech," he said. "It also sets the trend for Western Iowa Tech. For the future of the Comets. This is just the beginning."

Brown made it clear his goal was to create these opportunities for as many Comets as possible.

"This is not going to be the only time this happens," Brown said. "We're going to work tirelessly to make this happen more often."

Wiggall took a moment to address the crowd and demonstrate her bond with her teammates.

"I wish you all the best for next year and I'll keep watching your games and keep cheering you on," Wiggall said.

Zoe Wiggall (right) laughs during a speech by teammate Emma Jolly (left) during Wiggall's signing ceremony Friday afternoon.

Dr. Murrell closed the proceedings by putting the moment into the perspective of a successful post-athletics life.

"This is what we really envisioned when we looked at starting athletics here at Western Iowa Tech," Murrell said. "I enjoyed watching you all play this year, I look forward to watching most of you play next year."

A former college athlete, Dr. Murrell assured the athletes in attendance that their hard work would bear fruit regardless of their next athletic step.

"The student-athlete part of what you're doing is very real," he said. "The lessons that you're learning (in athletics) are important and can be applied to many, many, many different parts of your life."

Western Iowa Tech president Dr. Terry Murrell (left) speaks during the signing ceremony for Zoe Wiggall (right) on Friday afternoon.