For many kids, signing day results from years of hard work and dedication. For Ethan Post, signing with Florida State University was more than a big moment—it was a dream come true. His journey to playing college football wasn’t easy, but his hard work and belief in himself made all the difference.

Post loved football long before he ever played. As a kid, he watched from the sidelines, imagining himself on the field one day, but his parents were unsure about letting him play. It wasn’t until eighth grade that they finally said yes. By then, he wasn’t sure if he would be good enough or where he would fit in.

At first, football was a challenge. Since he had played baseball and had a strong arm, he thought he could be a quarterback, but he quickly realized that the position required much more than just throwing well. Eventually, he found his true talent—kicking. Even though he didn’t get many chances to play in eighth grade, he never gave up. He spent hours practicing on his own, knowing that one day, his time would come.

That moment arrived in ninth grade, but not right away. At first, he was stuck on the scout team, which was frustrating. He even thought about quitting, but his mom encouraged him to keep going. He listened to her, and when he finally got the chance to show his kicking skills, everything changed. He became the team’s starting kicker, and from then on, his football career took off.

As he got older, colleges started to notice his talent. When Florida State University reached out, he knew it was the perfect fit. The school’s winning culture, great coaches, and strong business program made the choice easy. During a workout, head coach Mike Norvell talked with him, making him feel like he truly belonged. Playing for such a big program in Florida was exactly what he had worked for.

Signing with Florida State meant more than just playing football; it was proof that hard work and believing in yourself leads to success. Post faced a lot of challenges that could have made him quit, but he never gave up. He also learned that being mentally strong—using positive thinking and staying focused—is just as important as physical training. Every time he steps on the field, he reminds himself how lucky he is to be there.

Looking back, Post sees how much he has grown, not just as a player but as a person. Football has taught him the importance of hard work, patience, and teamwork. He knows that every athlete faces struggles, whether it’s sacrificing free time to train or pushing through tough moments. Those struggles have shaped him into the player he is today. Now, he hopes his story inspires other young athletes to never give up.

For Post, signing with Florida State is just the beginning. With his strong work ethic and determination, there’s no doubt he will continue to make an impact both on and off the field. His story proves that if you keep working hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible.

Photos by Eli Enke