LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Overflowing with supportive parents, excited friends and proud teachers, the Los Alamitos High School gym abounded with joy at the athletic signing day this past Wednesday. As tables decorated with college banners and flowers lined the center of the gym, senior Griffins eagerly awaited their opportunity to announce their National Letter of Intent to participate in the college of their choice.
Senior Signing Day is a largely celebrated event for seniors in high school due to a celebration of their achievements and hard work, while giving insight into their goals for the future.
The event began with words from Mr. Hyepock, Assistant Principal of Facilities, Athletics and Activities, and Principal Kraus as they each gave a short speech praising the athletes for their hard work and dedication to their sport. Principal Kraus also highlighted the students’ academics, proudly announcing the average GPA among those honored was a cumulative 3.78; this feat is especially worthy of praise as student athletes can average 10-15 hours a week towards their sport.
Students were then prompted to announce their chosen colleges and give a small speech, paying tribute to their families and friends who helped them achieve their success. Their announcements were met with strong enthusiasm from the crowd of supportive families and friends, as some even brought signs to hold up during the ceremony.
“Looking back, my parents and coaches helped me get to this point. My coaches helped me by talking to the coaches and (getting) them out to watch me,” said Audrey Hobbs, LAHS softball player and future student of Cal State Fullerton.
Afterwards, the athletes participated in photo sessions with their loved ones and were showered with cheers and congratulations from the audience.
When senior Layla Mohanna was asked why she had committed to the University of Washington for rowing, she said that she had focused on the future and what the school had to offer her to broaden her opportunities.
“They have a very supportive team culture, and they produced Olympic coxswains for the past six Olympics, and I want to continue that legacy. I chose (the University of Washington) because they can provide me with the opportunity to achieve this,” said Mohanna.
The honored seniors, comprised of 41 student athletes, and included honors from soccer, aquatics, softball, volleyball, baseball, basketball, dance, lacrosse, rowing and football. The celebrated seniors are listed below:
- Addison Bousard- Biola University for womens’ soccer
- Alana Eisel- Fullerton College for softball
- Allysen Pitcox- University of New Mexico for softball
- Ashley Repett- Portland State University for womens’ volleyball
- Audrey Hobbs- Cal State Fullerton for softball
- Benjamin Gamarnik- Chapman University for football
- Bridgette Knapp- University of Tennessee for womens’ rowing
- Cienna Kowaleski- Santa Clara University softball
- David Fellingham- Chatham University for mens’ soccer
- Devin Porch- Cal Poly SLO for baseball
- Emma Osborne- University of Chicago for swim
- Ethan Maddies- College of the Holy Cross for baseball
- Grace Wilderman- Pomona Pitzer College for womens’ dive
- Jack Lorenz- University of California, San Diego for baseball
- Jack Nishimoto- University of California, San Diego for mens’ soccer
- James Stevens- Lake Erie College for mens’ LAX
- Jordyn Belote- Tuskegee University for softball
- Kaden Carrion- Colorado State University, Pueblo for baseball
- Kaleb Martinez- Cal Lutheran University for football
- Kalie Matsuno- University of Florida for softball
- Kayden Frazier- Stephen F. Austin University for softball
- Kaylah Rhee- Caltech for swim
- Lana Barrera- Adamson University Philippines for womens’ volleyball
- Layla Mohanna- University of Washington for womens’ rowing
- Layni Kimura- East Texas A&M University for softball
- Lexy Jones- Hope International University for competitive dance
- Liam Gray- Oberlin College for mens’ basketball
- Lucas Singhal- Cornell University for mens’ crew
- Megan Engerman- University of Kansas for womens’ rowing
- Natalie Lobo- Concordia University for womens’ soccer
- Nico Karaba- Bethany College for football
- Paige Kingery- Northwestern College for IA Softball
- Payton Rofe- Virginia Commonwealth University for womens’ soccer
- Ronni Lyons- Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for womens’ volleyball
- Ryan McKemy- Regis University for baseball
- Samira Semaan- Concordia University for swim
- Sydney Chait- Walter Brown University for womens’ crew
- Trent Minter- Colorado School of Mines for mens’ basketball
- Tristan Dalzell- LB State University for baseball
- Wesley Trevino- Cal State Dominguez Hills for mens’ basketball
- Weston Swank- Wagner College for mens’ water polo
Congratulations to all 41 of these senior Griffins for their commitments; we’re sure that they will go on to do great things!
