LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — On Wednesday, April 15, the Los Alamitos High School community filled the bleachers of The Griffin Center to support their friends and family in the commencement of their collegiate athletic careers. This roughly 40-minute ceremony featured 38 senior athletes from all sports and divisions, outfitted with custom ASB-made banners and college swag to decorate their seats and celebrate their achievement.

The ceremony began with Principal Kraus opening with a brief congratulatory statement, followed by a brief word from Mr. Hyepock, Assistant Principal of the arts, facilities, athletics and activities. Each student athlete was then given the opportunity to formally verbally announce their academic and athletic commitment to their respective college. Students acknowledged the immeasurable support they received from their family and friends as well as the influence of the LAHS athletics community, commenting on the mentorship, guidance and inspiration they received from their coaches throughout not just the past four years, but their entire athletic career.

While LAHS also hosts a fall signing ceremony, most students finalize their commitment in the spring. With that decision comes a slew of changes that accompany senior year, making this an even greater milestone for students and families alike. 

“I’m super excited for the next four years. (LAHS) made a good impact on me, and I feel ready for the next step,” said LAHS girls’ soccer player Kristen Coates, who committed to Pomona-Pitzer College, an NCAA Division III school.

Coates said she has played soccer nearly since the moment she learned to walk, and echoed the sentiment so many of her fellow committed athletes feel — that their time at LAHS and the family they have found through their athletics shaped the young men and women they have become.