The time-honored tradition of Signing Day was marked by jubilation and pride as area athletes inked their national letters of intent (NLI) on Wednesday, Feb. 7, committing to colleges that commend their talent and promise. These student athletes have not only excelled within the bounds of our local fields and courts but are now bound for greater conquests at the national collegiate level.
Throughout the day, local schools took a pause from the ordinary, decorating their halls with ceremonial grandeur to spotlight those who have stood out for their exceptional athletic achievements.
“Our athletes always seize this occasion to step into a new chapter, backed by scholarship commitments that recognize both the talent and potential each student brings to their field,” said Temecula Prep Athletic Director, Jason Litt.
From the prolific signing event at Vista Murrieta, which saw twenty student-athletes making their commitments official, to numerous others who received their accolades across various schools, the narrative was one of communal triumph and individual honor.
With eyes set on their future, our area’s young stars are positioned to make waves in the NCAA, NCCAA, or NAIA arenas. The binding national letter of intent solidifies their resolve to pursue excellence, backed by the vital financial aid and scholarships that materialize their collegiate goals.
As we look forward to the next signing period in April 2024, one thing remains clear: our local athletes are crafting a legacy of success, fueled by an energetic drive and authentic passion that resonates throughout our community.
Here is a look at the colleges and universities to which many local student athletes will be reportedly taking their talents, as reported by school athletic directors.
CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN
Micah Sweeton, baseball, Concordia-Nebraska
GREAT OAK
Mikaela Foster, girls soccer, Redlands
Jeffrey Keeney, boys cross country/track and field, UC San Diego
Kai Marotta, boys cross country/track and field, UC Riverside
Gabriel Rodriguez, boys cross country/track and field, Cal
Michael Rodriguez, boys cross country/track and field, Cal
HERITAGE
Aaron Contreras, boys basketball, Westcliff
Hannah Hill, girls soccer, George Fox
MURRIETA MESA
Levi Alderete, baseball, Caltech
Kyah Michelle Gabel, girls soccer, Jamestown
Parker Mozingo, boys lacrosse, Sonoma State
Madison Grace Soratos, girls soccer, William Penn
Nia Vela, girls soccer, Pacific
PALOMA VALLEY
Ayden Harrison, baseball, Regis
Chapman Weber, baseball, UC San Diego
Jake Wells, baseball, Oregon Institute of Technology
RANCHO CHRISTIAN
Jonathan Alexander, football, Georgetown
Daniel Jones, football, Western New Mexico
SAN JACINTO VALLEY ACADEMY
Jose Benitez, boys soccer, Fresno Pacific
Samantha Rodriguez, softball, Carleton
SANTA ROSA ACADEMY
Faith Krueger, softball, Colorado Christian
Jordan Krueger, softball, Colorado Christian
TEMECULA PREP
Vincent Warren, boys soccer, Humboldt State
TEMESCAL CANYON
Mia Berney, girls soccer, Colorado State-Pueblo
Emma Cole, STUNT, Central Arkansas
Ryder Costa, baseball, Salem University
Alexis Ellenwood, softball, UC San Diego
Delaney Jones, girls volleyball, Cumberland
Macie Lawrence, softball, Long Beach State
Mara-Jade Martin, cheer/STUNT, Ottawa
Xiane Romero, softball, Mississippi State
Branson Terry, baseball, Cal State Fullerton
Mya Tucker, softball, Barry
VISTA MURRIETA
Matthias Alcaraz, boys soccer, Hope International
Alyssa Alumbres, girls track and field, San Diego State
Brandy Babcock-Hannah, girls tennis, Coppin State
Wesley Bragg, baseball, La Verne
Katrina Catalan, girls volleyball, UC Santa Barbara
Leilah Dominguez, softball, Delaware State
Aspen Fears, girls track and field, Nebraska
Aryanna Gonzales, softball, St. Mary’s
Fiona Holloway, girls cross country/track and field, New Mexico
Emily Kearney, STUNT, Trevecca Nazarene
Haley Martin, girls swimming, U.S Merchant Marine Academy
Aaron Meyer, football, Cal Poly
Lilliana Montes, girls volleyball, Maryland-Eastern Shores
Jorge Rodriguez, baseball, Loyola Marymount
Brandt Ross, baseball, La Verne
Nadia Rountree, softball, Fresno State
David Ruth, baseball, San Diego
Lauren Sammon, girls’ golf, Wisconsin
Jake Soliday, boys lacrosse, Concordia
Miliani Villareal, girls volleyball, Sacred Heart
If you know of a student athlete that is playing at the next level and did not get recognized in the paper this week, send more information to sports@reedermedia.com.
