By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos

After National Signing Day in February, many high school sports and activities were canceled or postponed, making it a challenging year for high school athletes with ambitions of playing their sport in college. When we learned some schools were having students sign letters of intent in November, we contacted all the high schools within our readership. We commend all the 80108 high school student-athletes who have had to work harder than usual this year to make their dreams come true.

Douglas County High School

Coach Jason Fitzgerald said, “The Huskies and Relentless Volleyball Club families are excited and proud to see our own Piper Corell continue her athletic journey with Clarendon College in Texas. At Douglas County High School, winning with character is just one key component that allows us success, and Piper exemplifies this with her work ethic and personal choices. Good luck P!”

Coach Samantha Silverman said, “Lily is the athlete that every coach wishes to have on their team because she is an amazing leader both on and off the field. Lily works hard every day to be the best lacrosse player that she can be, but her ability to bring the team together and motivate her teammates is what makes her so exceptional. Her positivity and enthusiasm are going to be missed on this team, but I am so excited for the amazing things that Lily will accomplish at the University of Charleston. “

Coach Dane Craig said, “Genevieve has been a staple on this team since she was a freshman. As a 4-year letterman, her strength was the catcher position. Gen has an arm that limits steal opportunities for the other team, and skills that will continue to make her one of the top catchers in the state. Genevieve also has an explosive bat; usually she hits a line drive to the gap or key home runs. Gen’s dedication to her school, club and team will be missed as she goes to RI. She will dominate on the east coast.”

Regis Jesuit High School

“Kade’s commitment to high achievement in rowing has grown steadily since his freshman year of high school. This year, challenges of the global pandemic only fired up the intensity he brought to Mile High Rowing Club’s modified practice schedule, and he posted some of the best times of his career,” said coach Anne Strobridge.

Rock Canyon High School

Coach Mathew Henbest said, “Arianna has always been an exemplary student-athlete for as long as I’ve known her. She is above all else, an incredible teammate. On the field, she shows real skill and always exceptional speed. We have been blessed to have Arianna at RCHS and we look forward to one last season with her and our other seniors.”

Coach Christina Kwon said, “Connor really wants to make a positive impact everywhere he goes. He is one of our captains for the upcoming season, and he has proven again and again that he can be counted upon in the water while racing, and outside of the pool by encouraging and setting a positive example for his teammates. His hard work paid off when he qualified for Junior Nationals last summer. In the classroom, Connor strives for academic excellence so that he can be in a position to make great strides in whatever field he chooses. The honor of being named Scholastic All American [from USA Swimming] is only the start for Connor, and it’ll be exciting to see what he can do!”

Valor Christian High School

Coach Brian Kula said, “Reese is a state champion and a member of the all-time, all-class 4x400m relay from 2019. She is one of the top runners in the state and a leader in our program. She is an amazing girl with extremely high character, and her accomplishments on the track are amazing but second to her outstanding ability to lead quietly and influence our entire team.” Coach Greg Coplen added, “Reese was named the “Teammate of the Year” for Valor cross country this past season. Her work ethic and running ability only accentuate the wonderful human being that she is.”

Coach Cris Radic said, “Gavin’s journey in swimming has been truly remarkable, and he is a model of always thinking of others and sacrificing for the team. He has developed into a superlative competitor and promising multi-event athlete who has played many roles for our team and attacked every role without a second thought. Gavin is a hard-working and very intelligent racer who has the ability to balance a rigorous Colorado School of Mines education with the considerable demands of college swimming.”

Coach Autumn Nelson said, “I couldn’t be more excited for Cailin to continue her swimming career at Calvin College! Cailin has been such a pleasure to have on our Valor swim team for the past three years. Her strong work ethic and continuous positive attitude, both in and out of the water, will take her to great successes in college and beyond.”

“Tal is a fierce competitor who holds himself to a high standard of excellence. He accepts nothing but the best from himself and always strives to make those around him better as well,” said Coach Rachel Irwin.

“Ben is an exceptional pitcher with a high ceiling. He’s an intimidating figure on the mound, but one of the best teammates a person could ask for. He’s one of the cornerstones of our baseball brotherhood and he will have a bright future on and off the diamond,” said Coach Keith Wahl.

“Trevor is an amazing young man and athlete, and the University of Denver is getting a high character young man joining their ranks. Trevor’s soccer abilities have literally carried him across the globe, training and playing in Germany, Spain, Panama, Belgium and Holland, but it is his character that sets him apart. He is respectful of all his teachers, coaches and classmates. He has a heart for the people of Costa Rica, serving on several trips with his family and the Valor Soccer team to build houses for needy Costa Rican families while on spring break,” said Coach Brian Shultz.

Coach Jayne McHugh, said, “Emma is a senior setter for Valor Christian. She brings great poise, IQ and passion to the volleyball court. She was injured her entire junior year but is healthy and ready to lead Valor Christian volleyball in the Spring of 2021. Emma has a servant’s heart and enjoys giving to others. I am grateful that our paths have crossed and she will do great things at the University of Denver.”

If you know a student-athlete who resides in the 80108 ZIP code and who has signed a letter of intent to play at the collegiate level and you’d like to celebrate them, email editor@castlepinesconnection.com.