Long County senior soccer player Megan Higgason has penned her name to play soccer at Wesleyan College in Macon. Higgason signed the scholarship Friday afternoon in LCHS cafeteria.

Lady Blue Tide soccer coach Sabrina Caines introduced Higgason and spoke about her accomplishments, which included being named to the All-Region team her sophomore and junior years and defensive MVP last year. Before transferring to Long County, Higgason played at First Presbyterian Christian Academy and was a member of the Lady Highlander team that won the state title.

Higgason thanked her parents and former coaches and former FPCA teammates who were in attendance. She then thanked her Lady Tide teammates while holding back tears of excitement, joy and nostalgia.
Karen Higgason said her daughter was searching for a smaller college.
“She wanted smaller classes where she felt like she could succeed a little bit more,” Karen Higgason said. “And we searched for ones in a closer radius to home. It was really important for her to be close to her sisters.”

She said her daughter and the family like that Wesleyan is faith-based and small.
“It reminded us a lot of First Presbyterian, which she really succeeded well in that environment,” Karen Higgason added.
Higgason’s father, Rusty, back from a recent deployment, said he was glad the signing was able to be postponed until he was home.
“I am very glad I was able to be here,” he said. “This is very special to watch her sign. She has worked hard to get here, and I am very proud of her.”

Mom and dad added that their daughter will now get the chance to move forward in her path from high school student to college adult, yet still be secure in knowing that her family is still within driving distance.
Higgason’s older sister Kelsey is currently playing soccer at Armstrong State. Her two younger sisters, Kadyn and Macey, both play recreational soccer, coached by their mother. Macey also runs 5Ks and has often medaled. Rusty Higgason said the entire family finds unity in sports.

“It comes from me primarily,” he said jokingly.
“We feel fitness is very important and we think fitness as a family is very important, and that is why we’ve encouraged all of our kids to be athletes or at least be involved in sports,” he continued. “I think this is her chance to grow and become an adult, and I think it is actually good for her to be a little bit away from her parents so she can learn to be on their own. I hope she can stay organized and focus on her grades and balance college life with soccer.”

“I think she will learn a lot living out on her own,” Karen Higgason added.
Megan Higgason said Wesleyan feels like an extension of her family.
“Their soccer program is good and they are a small college, so it’s more like a family instead of a just like a school where you pass random students,” she said. “You pretty much know everyone there.”

She said she has the potential of playing both center defense and striker and could make an impact her freshman season.
“She is good in the back and a good defender,” Hinesville Gators and FPCA soccer coach Tom Sukaratana said noting that Higgason played for the Gators for about six years.
Higgason plans to study nursing.