Athletes Commit on National Signing Day
Oaks Christian School celebrated the athletic accomplishments of 23 student-athletes who made their commitments to continue their sport at the collegiate level during the annual National Signing Day ceremony on Feb. 1.
National Signing Day is a national event, with schools across the country holding ceremonies to honor high school student-athletes signing National Letters of Intent to play at the next level. Per the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an average of just seven percent of high school athletes have the privilege of continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The 23 Lions who signed join that impressive group of student-athletes nationwide.
“I am excited for our student-athletes and the journey that lies ahead as they further their athletic careers,” said Head of Athletics Dr. Brad Cook. “The endurance and focus they have displayed to get to this season of life is commendable. I hope that our student-athletes remember that they are truly loved by their families, coaches, and the Oaks Christian community.”
The annual event was held in the Dallas Athletic Facility, where over 100 family members, teachers, and students witnessed the athletes sign letters of commitment to their future colleges.
Seven athletes from the football program signed, which was the largest group from one program. Luke Baklenko and Aidan Flintoft both signed to play at Stanford University, Gage Dutcher signed with the University of San Diego, Dylan Hampsten with Boise State, Tate Haver with the University of Texas, Jalen Lewis with Northwestern University and Johnny Thompson with the University of Kansas.
Taking the diamond at the college level will be Finley Buckner, headed to the University of California, Berkeley, Tommy Farmer, who will play at the University of Texas and Jaden Onaca will head to San Jose State.
Softball is also sending three athletes to the collegiate level as Heaven Oliva is going to Tufts University, Liesl Osteen will wear Bruin blue for the University of California, Los Angeles and Justine Lambert is going to Howard University.
The cross country and girls’ soccer each had two athletes commit to colleges. From the cross country team, Sarah Colebrooke committed to the Naval Academy and Emerson Beard committed to Pepperdine University. From the girls’ soccer team, Berkley Mape joins the Ohio State Buckeyes, and Kailey Supa will don the black and gold for California State University, Long Beach.From boys' soccer Luke Lindas will attend Gordon College.
Boys’ golf, boys’ lacrosse, track and field, girls’ beach volleyball, girls’ indoor volleyball and girls’ water polo each had a single athlete sign. Nick Waldock will play golf at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Nico Conway will head to Bowdoin College to play lacrosse. Ethan Bergman will run track at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Kendall Pappan will continue her water polo career at Chapman University. Alexandra Leal will hit the sand at the University of California, Davis to play beach volleyball, and Brooklyn Stearns will play indoor volleyball at Temple University.
