Thirteen athletes attending D38 high schools, including Palmer Ridge High School and Lewis-Palmer High School, signed pen to paper, deciding to further their athletic careers by joining a collegiate athletic team.
The athletes committed to a number of prestigious universities, including the United States Air Force Academy, Brigham Young University, University of Idaho and more.
Both Palmer Ridge High School and Lewis-Palmer High School held signing celebrations for their athletes, with their respective Athletic Directors, Lance McCorkle and Nick Baker, presiding over the ceremonies. Each athlete’s coach took a moment to congratulate the college-bound seniors on their accomplishments and impart advice ahead of their next adventure.
Below, you’ll find a description of each signee and their destination:
Andrew Zamborelli — Doane University — NAIA Baseball
“I’ve got four young men to talk about, and I want to say a lot of work and dedication went into them being here. I want to tell them to enjoy this moment, and I’m going to narrow it down to just a few words for each player. Andrew has drive. He does a lot, and a ton of things behind the scenes,” said Brett Lester, head baseball coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Cam Lowe — Air Force Academy — NCAA DI Basketball
“I’m proud knowing that as he makes this transition, he’s prepared. He’s worked hard in high school knowing he is going to be a DI collegiate student-athlete. That discipline and desire to hold others accountable, you carry that with you in everything that you do. You are ready for this and prepared for this,” said Bill Benton, head men’s basketball coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Dahlia Allen — Brigham Young University — NCAA DI Diving
“Dahlia may well be the best 5A State Champion from last year. Her success is due to all the little things she decided to do,” said Alan Arata, head diving coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Daulton Johnson — Harding University — NCAA DII Baseball
“I’ve got four young men to talk about, and I want to say a lot of work and dedication went into them being here. I want to tell them to enjoy this moment, and I’m going to narrow it down to just a few words for each player. Daulton is not in it for the glory, he’s in it for his teammates, and the work and reward. He doesn’t do anything for the flash. He does it for the substance,” said Brett Lester, head baseball coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Griffin Greenwood — Air Force Academy — NCAA DI Basketball
“On the court, Griffin leads us in stats that require relentlessness. She averages a double-double, and leads us in many categories, including charges. Tough basketball players will also understand when I say she leads us in bruises. USAFA recruited her because of who she is: a hard worker who makes difficult choices, relentlessly,” said Kristy Youngpeter, head women’s basketball coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Lexi Hunt — Dodge City Community College — NJCAA DI Cheerleading
“I knew Lexie was something special in the 8th grade. She brings a natural energy and capability that is iconic,” said Christina Pearce, head cheer coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Allison Buckley — Multnomah University — NAIA Soccer
“Allison’s positive attitude makes her somebody you want to be around. She is selfless, caring and driven, even if it means her playing at a different position,” said Brian Barkey, head women’s soccer coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Mason Perry — Culver-Stockton College — NAIA Baseball
“I’ve got four young men to talk about, and I want to say a lot of work and dedication went into them being here. I want to tell them to enjoy this moment, and I’m going to narrow it down to just a few words for each player. Over the past four years, Mason has brought such energy to this team,” said Brett Lester, head baseball coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Emma Thomas — Western State — NCAA DII Cross Country
“When Emma came in as a freshman at the 4A level, she came in as the 87th fastest in the state. It’s typical that most athletes are faster by the time that they leave, but this year she is the 34th fastest senior on the list. It’s a reflection of her commitment and the little things she did,” said Marc Johnson, head cross country coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Max Randis — Moberly Area Community College — NJCAA DI Baseball
“I’ve got four young men to talk about, and I want to say a lot of work and dedication went into them being here. I want to tell them to enjoy this moment, and I’m going to narrow it down to just a few words for each player. Max is such a competitor. He has a fight to him, and that’s something you can’t instill in someone,” said Brett Lester, head baseball coach.
Lewis-Palmer High School
Madison Wilson — University of Idaho — NCAA DI Volleyball
“I can honestly say Madison is one of the most talented athletes I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She’s helped us win a state championship, conference championship, and she’s likely going to rack up a few more accolades in just a few weeks. I can’t say enough how hard she’s worked in the last four years to get to where she is today,” said Erica Bradley, head volleyball coach.
Palmer Ridge High School
Keagan McCorkle — Lenoir Rhyne University — NCAA DII Soccer
“What’s so special about Keagan is she wanted to make varsity right out of the gate and didn’t make the team as a freshman. She pushed really hard, and ultimately proved to me that we made a mistake and moved up in the middle of the season. Only a handful of players have ever moved up to varsity in the middle of a season. Confidence is quiet, and she plays with such quiet confidence,” said Nickolas Odil, head women’s soccer coach.
Palmer Ridge High School
Thomas Frye — University of California San Diego — NCAA DI Track & Field/Cross Country
“Thomas can be summed up in two words. Work ethic. He’s an amazing leader, and is a very hard worker. He’s risen up and is an impeccable leader,” said Kathy Owen, head cross country coach.
Palmer Ridge High School