Prior to saying goodbye to the Class of 2021, several senior high school athletes were recognized this spring for their commitments to play college athletics.
At Santa Margarita Catholic High School, eight athletes across six sports signed collegiate letters of intent.
From the gridiron, Roman Sergi will be playing football for Wheaton College in Illinois, and Keanu Rebuldela-Kama is headed to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The Eagles also saw two from their baseball program make commitments. Spencer Johnson committed to George Fox University, and Matt Flaharty will be playing at the University of Utah.
McKenna Bradley signed with UC Santa Barbara for track and field. Maya Robilio will be golfing for Sacred Heart University. Miles Fujimoto committed to Chapman University for swimming, and Kai Solomon will be playing lacrosse for Tufts University.
“These student athletes have persevered through so much, remained upbeat and positive and have weathered one of the craziest storms,” said former Santa Margarita Assistant Athletic Director, Sean Zeitler. “We are just so proud of them and their families and look forward to seeing what they do in the future.”
From Mater Dei High School, Sebastian Guzman is headed to Washington University in St. Louis for baseball, and teammate Brenden Morris committed to Colorado Mesa University. Soccer players Ceanna Doria and Abigail Hampton have both signed with Southern Methodist University (SMU). Golfer Lauren Calvillo signed with Trinity College. Nick Hoffmeyer will be playing volleyball for Concordia University Irvine. Cheerleaders Kaitlyn Bujajowski and Angelique Vasquez are headed to Rutgers University and Morehead State University, respectively. Samantha Sloan committed to Chapman University for track and field, and Tait Vigeland will be running cross country for the University of Portland.
JSerra Catholic High School saw 11 of their senior athletes make college commitments. Addison Barrette will be playing rugby for the University of Arizona. Women’s lacrosse player Shelby Blanchart will be attending Western New England University, and men’s lacrosse player Jacob Bledsoe signed with Calvin University.
From the soccer pitch, Max Carvalho committed to UC San Diego, and Connor Walcott is headed to the United States Naval Academy. Ashley Craig will be playing sand volleyball for DeSales University. Tennis player Kaley Houshmand signed with Westmont College. Fencer Sarah Lacson is headed to Cornell University. Jeff Muller will be playing water polo for LMU. Alex Stein signed to play basketball for Bethesda University, and golfer Heejo Hyun is headed to Emory University.
“These student athletes have risen beyond our expectations and driven themselves to thrive, when the message heard from many directions has been to survive,” said JSerra Athletic Director, Chris Ledyard. “And thrive is what they have done.”
At Rosary Academy, five athletes signed letters of intent to play at the collegiate level. Water polo players Alexys Puche is headed to Whittier College, Mia Solorzano committed to LMU and Nicole Salerno signed with Iona College. Lacrosse player Alli Mitts is also headed to Whittier College and soccer player Kate Goggins will play for Boston College.
Servite High School recognized 12 of their senior athletes who made college commitments. From the baseball diamond, Carlos Rodriguez is headed to Northern Vermont University, and PJ Wendler will play for Claremont McKenna. Football running back Kyle Bandy signed with the University of La Verne, and defensive end Ben Florentine committed to the University of Wyoming.
Three athletes from the Friars’ soccer program made commitments including Denzel Barrientos, who will play for Hope International University, while Jesus Melgoza, is headed to LMU and Justin Nodarse signed with Concordia University Irvine.
Three of Servite’s volleyball athletes committed to continue their playing careers. Matthew Albano committed to Hiram College, Colin Ryan committed to UC Merced and Peter Selcho signed with UC San Diego.
Rounding out the Friars’ signing group is basketball player Andrew Cook who is headed to Carroll College and lacrosse player Bryton Hickok who signed with the University of Tampa.
We couldn’t be prouder of this group of young men,” said Servite Athletic Director, Alan Clinton. “In a year that brought so many twists and turns, each of these talented student athletes overcame the obstacles in front of them and achieved their dream of playing at the next level, a feat that was made even harder by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grit and determination they showed is inspiring. On behalf of the Servite Athletic department, we wish them the best of luck as they take the next steps in becoming the men God called them to be.”