KALAMAZOO, MI –– It started as a joke for Madeline Chappa and Taliyah Hanks back when they were both spry freshmen testing the waters of varsity athletics at Loy Norrix.

But it’s since become reality.

After some initial knee-slapping banter as basketball teammates, Chappa and Hanks proceeded to uncover their own paths as standout Loy Norrix athletes and officially make their pipedreams come true with commitments to Division-I programs as part of Wednesday’s early signing period for the Class of 2026.

With friends and family on hand inside Loy Norrix’s auditorium, the Knights duo put pen to paper –– Hanks pledged to play volleyball at the University of Southern California, while Chappa signed to play soccer at IU Indianapolis.

“It was always a big dream of ours and we would joke freshma

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