By Ben Gibbons
Sports Editor
Eight Mira Costa senior athletes committed to the colleges that will give them the opportunity to pursue their dreams during the second Signing Day of the year.
The signees were honored on Feb. 7 during lunch in the Mustang Mall. Signees included seniors: Olivia Vega (soccer), Sydney Williams (soccer), Genevieve Watkins (soccer), Serena Ponciano (softball), Evan Fortier (tennis), Alexandra Kelley (volleyball), Jamie Ungar (rowing), and Alexis Fonua (rugby).
“Signing Day was very surreal,” senior Genevieve Watkins said. “I’ve been committed to Notre Dame since sophomore year and I can finally say it’s official.”
Senior Serena Ponciano signed to New York University’s NCAA Division III softball team, while Evan Fortier signed to Bowdoin College’s NCAA Division III tennis team. Alexis Fonua committed to the NAIA Division I rugby team at Life University, and Alexandra Kelly committed to Trinity College’s NCAA Division III volleyball team.
“The Signing Day experience was very special to me,” Kelly said. “It was something I have dreamed about since watching the past seniors participate in it.”
On Signing Day athletes officially committed to colleges from which they have received an official offer to attend and play their respective sports.
“My recruiting process was long and difficult, but I had all the support from my family, friends, and mentors to help me throughout the experience,” senior Olivia Vega said. “It was filled with many ups and downs, but the pay off in the end was, and will continue to be, priceless.”
Vega and senior Sydney Williams signed to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and will play soccer together at the NCAA Division II level. According to Vega, she is looking forward to challenging herself on and off the field, as well as creating new memories with her new senior teammates.
“I picked the school and program because it was everything I was looking for and valued as a student and athlete,” Vega said. “I want to be challenged but I also want to have a college experience so this was the best choice for me.”
Jamie Ungar committed to Ohio State University to participate in their rowing program at the NCAA Division I level. Genevieve Watkins plans to attend University of Notre Dame to play on their NCAA Division I soccer team.
“I’ve wanted to go to Notre Dame since I was eight years old,” Watkins said. “It’s been a dream of mine to play soccer there because they have one of the best soccer programs in the nation and some of the best academics.”
COLLEGE BOUND: Seniors line up on the Mustang Mall to sign to their dream schools on Feb. 7 while being recognized for their athletic achievement. Seniors (left to right): Alexis Fonua, Evan Fortier, Alexandra Kelly, Serena Ponciano, Jamie Ungar, Olivia Vega, Genevieve Watkins, and Sydney Williams.
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