The college commitment process ends up being both difficult and exciting for athletes to navigate, and the journey is different for each person. But this process offers amazing opportunities to athletes that can open many doors and further their educational careers. This year, we have seven seniors who have committed to their sport. It takes a lot of talent and hard work to commit, so a huge congratulations to each senior. We asked the committed seniors a few questions to get their perspective on this process.
First, we asked what the commitment process looks like.
Rosary Cheer captain Claire Heidelman ‘24 explained what her process signing with Alma College: “For me, the commitment process wasn’t very stressful. It was actually super exciting. I found Alma on Instagram and started to watch their videos. I realized how good they were and became obsessed. Nicole Elliott ‘24 was the one who encouraged me to fill out the recruitment form (so, shout out). I filled out the form towards the end of junior year and the coach and I started messaging. We set up a Zoom to talk about Alma and the team. After the talk, I realized Alma could be the perfect fit for me. Alma then gave me an official offer, but I decided that I needed to visit before I could commit. This was the hard part because finding time to visit was extremely hard with my schedule. But eventually, when I got there and toured the school and practiced with the team, I knew that Alma was the place for me. That following week, I applied to the school and signed my papers officially, making me a Scott.”
Rosary soccer player Sherry Diep ‘24 shared her experience committing to the University of New Mexico to play soccer: “Personally, the process was kind of stressful. There were a lot of highs and lows, but I tried to stay as patient and positive as I could. Understanding that everyone has their own path was also a key motivator throughout it all.”
We also asked these seniors what they are most excited about. Baylor soccer commit Madison Encinas ‘24 shared, “I am so excited for Baylor, obviously for soccer season, but also for making new friends and starting the next adventure of my life.”
Lacrosse player Katie Meneses ‘24, who will be attending Missouri Western State University, also shared her excitement about a new environment and team: “I’m most excited to be in a new environment with other lacrosse girls that are going to be better than me and motivate me to want to be a better lacrosse player myself.”
The last question we talked to the athletes about was why they choose their particular school. Choosing the right school is very important to an athlete hoping to continue their career in college. Leah Gimenez ‘24, varsity soccer player, committed to The University of Bakersfield. When she visited the school, the decision was easy: “I chose this school because when I went on my visit, I felt a very cool energy within the soccer program. It felt like a place where I would be valued, and that was the biggest thing I was looking for.”
Basketball player Allison Clark ‘24 also shared why she chose Loyola Marymount University: “When I met the coaches and players, it immediately felt right to me, and the campus and academics just added onto the correct feeling I already had.” Track runner Lainey Goldstein ‘24 explains why she chose George Washington University: “It had already been a top choice, because I liked the school’s academic opportunities. But after talking with the coach and my official visit, I loved the team and track environment; I knew I could spend the next 4 years here.”
Finding the perfect fit is important for all seniors hoping to continue their education somewhere new, and it’s comforting to hear from these seniors that they have already found a school they love.
Congratulations to all current and future committed seniors!
