Kaeli Smith 

Sport: Cross country

College: Saddleback College

High School Athletic Career in One Word: Perseverance

Quote: “I think I regret counting down the practices because before I knew it, it was already over. I wish I would have just enjoyed both the good and the bad moments more, just taking the time to embrace all the moments because everybody says, ‘Before you know it, it’s over.’ Here we are, it’s over.” 

Maxwell Gatti

Sport: Football

College: Saddleback College

High School Athletic Career in One Word: Eventful

Quote: “A lot of people don’t realize how much work is put into sports. Not just football, but every sport. You see the games, but you don’t really see what goes on behind the scenes when you are practicing and working out alone. You really have to be prepared to work hard in order to achieve what you want to achieve.”

Prayag Ahire

Sport: Tennis

College: Whittier College

High School Athletic Career in One Word: Exciting

Quote: “Don’t ever give up. Keep working hard, because I was happy that I got into the college because I knew how much time and effort I put into the sport. So you will not get results immediately, but over time, your hard work is gonna pay off, so just keep at it.”

Naomi Luper

Sport: Volleyball

College: Greenville University

High School Athletic Career in One Word: Fun

Quote: “I was a recruit, so [Greenville] coaches flew me out, and they paid for tickets and the house we stayed in. I met all the coaches and the players and made the official offer there. I am super excited about what is to come in the future, but I am definitely gonna miss the volleyball and track family.”

Hope Paredes

Sport: Soccer

College: San Diego State University

High School Athletic Career in One Word: Determination

Quote: “One piece of advice is if you want to get recruited and looked at, you have to do what is best for you and not follow other people’s steps thinking that is the best way to get recruited. Everyone gets recruited differently. You need to put yourself out there and make an impact on the coaches.”

Joshua Steinberg

Sport: Basketball

College: Calvin University

High School Athletic Career in One Word: Roller coaster

Quote: “I’ve had ups and downs. Personally for me, I’ve had injuries almost every year, so you know, there’s ups and downs with that. I’ve had great games. I’ve had not so great games. They’re just the adversities that I’ve had to overcome. You have your good days and bad days, and that’s why I call it a roller coaster.”

Allison Kramer

Sport: Swim and Soccer

College: Wheaton College 

High School Athletic Career in One Word: Eventful

Quote: “It was my dream since when I was 9 to play in college for sports, so when I finally got the offer after all the hard work and playing for so long, I was relieved. But mostly excited. It’s super sad, but I felt accomplished during my last soccer game last week. The whistle blew. I felt sad but happy because I was playing with the girls that were closest to me. The athletic experience was worth it.”