Student athletes from two local high schools recently participated in their first on-site National Letter of Intent signing day ceremonies since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. National Signing Day for high school athletes usually includes big ceremonies at their schools in gyms or quads, in front of students, family and friends, and it has become a tradition that seems to get bigger each year. While most schools have recognized their signees virtually for the past few months, Temecula Valley High School and Murrieta Mesa High School staff, coaches and parents recently celebrated their student athletes on their own campuses.

As 2021 graduates, they are being recognized for committing to play sports and further their education at the next level. Wednesday, Feb. 3, was the first day of 2021 that a high school senior could sign a binding national letter of intent with an NCAA, NCCAA or NAIA college, committing in writing to attend that school in exchange for a commitment from the school to receive financial aid and scholarships. The final date for a graduating senior to commit to play sports in college is Sunday, Aug. 1.

Here is a look at the colleges and universities to which the local student athletes from TV and Mesa will be reportedly taking their talents.
Temecula Valley High School
Kailyn Bandel – Softball – Briar Cliff University
Jada Cecil – Softball – University of California, San Diego
Abraham Flores – Football – George Fox University
Nolan George – Baseball – University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Gavin Grutzmacher – Baseball – Concordia University
Nathan Justus – Football – University of Redlands
Mason Krogsgaard – Baseball – Graceland University
Brenden Lapierre – Basketball – Pacific University
Madison Packwood – Basketball – University of Puget Sound
Kansas Polk – Water Polo – Johnson and Wales University – Culinary
Casey Rubin – Lacrosse – University of Oregon
Brody Smith – Baseball – Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
Ashlyn Weller – Girls Volleyball – University of Saint Katherine
Morgan Witz – Soccer – California Baptist University
Murrieta Mesa High School
Aidan Papell – Cycling – Milligan College
Natalie Torrez – Stunt – California Baptist University
Kailey Crisman – Cheerleading – Liberty University
Victoria Howard – Softball – Missouri Valley College
Sophia Ruiz – Softball – Saint Martin’s University
Bella Flexen – Softball – Long Beach State University
Jhayden Raineri – Baseball – Salem University
Delaney Kiendra – Volleyball – Adelphi University
Becca Lipp – Girls Soccer – Newberry College
Kalia Thunstrom – Volleyball – Utah State University
Abigail Macias – Volleyball – Cal State Northridge
Makana Olaso – Baseball – San Jose State University
Madison Corey – Volleyball – Hendrix College
Chase Hunter – Football – University of Redlands
Luke Simpson – Football – Jamestown University
Collin Des Roberts – Football – MIT
Stevie Wu – Football – University of Hawaii
Kayli Klemp – Basketball – Hawaii Pacific University
Amaya Garcia – volleyball – Palomar Community College
Lacie Ham – softball – San Jose State University
Kalyn Hill – softball – Seattle University
Gianna Green – soccer – Ottawa College
Kyla Painter – lacrosse – Augustana College
Sydney Moreno – lacrosse – University of Colorado Springs
Colby Moran – baseball – Northwest Nazarene University
Caden Byers – baseball – Vanguard University
If you know of a student athlete that is playing at the next level and did not get recognized in the Valley News this year, send information to sports@reedermedia.com.