Signing Day highlights efforts of college-bound CVCHS athletes

Ten Clayton Valley seniors participated in a signing ceremony hosted in the gym Feb. 4. The event was held so these student-athletes could officially commit to play their respective sports at the college level.

The athletes included in the ceremony have all worked extremely hard to get the opportunity to play their sport beyond high school. Their families, teammates, and the staff all gathered to celebrate them, with people filling the bleachers and some holding signs and balloons as they cheered.

During the ceremony, CVCHS athletic director Eric Bamberger gave a brief highlight of each student and their respective sports.The ten athletes recognized in the event were Ava Jara (Chico State, soccer), Jillian Ryanne Arangorin (UC Davis, gymnastics), Josiah Morris (Oklahoma State, baseball), Kyle Stillinovich (St Mary’s, water polo), Vince Ellis (Dominican University, basketball), Addison Warren (Jessup University, cheer), Brianna Pilon (Arizona Christian, cheer), Vince Della Santina (Cal, baseball), Lucy Guitron (Chico State, basketball), and Brady Emry (Minot State, football).

Jara, the girls' soccer captain, expressed that she had multiple different feelings when originally receiving her offer to Chico State.

“I was shocked, but I was also really relieved, but at the same time I was scared,” said Jara. 

She also added that her time on the CVCHS girls soccer team has prepared her for the requirements that come with playing at the collegiate level.

Soccer player Ava Jara (left) and gymnast Jillian Ryanne Arangorin were two of the 10 athletes who were recognized in a Feb. 4 signing ceremony inside Clayton Valley's main gym. (Photo by Lucy Weber/Talon staff)

While Jara's recruitment experience expresses the initial feelings of accomplishment, others had to overcome unexpected obstacles, such as Ellis.

Ellis, who has committed to Dominican University in San Rafael, reflected on his basketball journey and the hardships he experienced. 

"I had an injury last year, making me have to sit out basically the whole year,” said Ellis. 

He also spoke about the people who helped him during his time of recovery. 

"The people around me really helped me get through it." 

One of the people in Ellis's support system is his coach that he has played under since the third grade. Ellis talked about how his coach doesn't just teach him lessons about basketball, but also lessons he can carry off the court. 

“He taught me about work ethic, determination, and if you fail, you need to keep going.”