By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos

Castle View High School

Coach Handke said, “Johnny truly represented what a CV athlete should be about. He was a team player and the one player that everyone looked up to on our offense and our team. He led with poise and grace and made those around him better; the sign of a true leader. It’s easy to say that the success we had this year wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of Johnny. He will be missed in our program.”

Coach David Rodriguez stated, “Ever since her freshman year, we knew Lo would eventually be a major contributor in the CV softball program. She was the most outstanding player on the JV squad that year, which earned her the first of three opportunities to compete in the post season. They say that big moments in sports reveal leadership, both in word and in deed. From her huge come-from-behind game tying opposite field bomb against a state champion Legend squad, to her three-for-three performance on the big stage of the CHSAA 5A state tournament, just to name a few … Lo was no stranger to leading in big moments. We could always count on her to keep things light in the dugout with her great laugh and dry sense of humor, qualities that always endeared her to her teammates. As one of our All Continental League senior captains departs for Hastings College, she will be remembered as one of the most clutch players to ever put on the Sabercat uniform.”

Douglas County High School

Coaches Lauren and Scott Borgmier said, “Olivia was an absolute joy to coach over the past four years. She was a varsity competition mat athlete all four seasons, ending with her as captain of the varsity team. Olivia led her team to achieve back-to-back Continental League Championships; she was a four-time UCA All American, All State Athlete of the year; four-time Southern Colorado Regional Champion; 2021 5A All Girl State Champion; four-time state finalist; and two-time Top three finalist at UCA Nationals. She is one of the hardest working athletes we’ve ever had, an absolute light in the room when practices got hard, and an incredible, encouraging captain (not to mention one of our daughter’s favorite people in the world). Olivia is an athlete who just wants cheerleading to bring joy to everyone around her, even at times when joy is hard to find.”

Rock Canyon High School

Samantha Bumann
Girls soccer, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, NY

Andreas G Commins, head women’s soccer coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy stated, “Samantha will be playing for the newly-formed Mariners women’s soccer team and will represent the Academy in intercollegiate competition. Bumann is fully recognized as an incoming midshipman for the incoming fall 2021 class.”

Coach Hanson said, “Sydney was one of our middle hitters and a two-time varsity letter recipient. While quiet, Sydney is a strength in the front row with her quick blocks and offensive moves. She is such a great young lady, a caring teammate, and very smart as she received the first team academic all-state award both as a junior and senior. She made a big difference in our program, and we are going to miss her. I know she will do great things at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana.”

Coach Mundaca said, “Katie is an incredible flyer with exquisite technique and attention to detail. She constantly works to improve herself and help others be the best they can be. She has been an amazing addition to our program, and we couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishing her dreams of college cheer!”

Coach Dyer stated, “Cade Nelson has been a cornerstone in the Rock Canyon program for four years. Cade is a baseball junkie who studies the game and works very hard to improve daily. He has been a great leader and will do great things at the college level.”

Coach Mundaca said, “Maya is a true representative of a Rock Canyon cheerleader. Her hard work and determination followed her from the freshmen team to the JV team to the varsity team. She is committed to not only making herself better but our entire program. We are so grateful for her time as a Jaguar and can’t wait to watch her carry on her cheer career as a Buff!”

Coach Mundaca said, “Tatum is an incredible athlete and has overcome tremendous odds after a torn ACL to sign with one of the top cheer programs in the country. Her relentlessness towards being the best turned her into one of our best flyers and tumblers we have ever had. We are so proud of her accomplishments and cannot wait to see her fulfill her dreams of cheering on the Knights!”

Coach Davies said, “The RCHS cross country and track and field teams would like to congratulate Bobby Scott on signing his NCAA letter of intent to compete for Western Colorado University. Bobby’s leadership, work ethic, and commitment to his teammates exemplifies those qualities that every coach hopes to see in an athlete. Bobby is a fierce competitor who also demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship in the athletic arena. We’re very proud of what Bobby has accomplished and especially the way in which he has represented RCHS as a student athlete!”

Student-athlete Bradley Wills said, “I play third base and I would say my best highlight from high school was hitting .375 in the summer and when I got the call from my coach at UVF offering me a chance to play college ball.”

Valor Christian High School

Coach Greg Coplen said, “Beau is hard working and patient. He keeps his eyes on his goals, the things ahead, and trusts that his work ethic and the process will get him there. That is exactly why he was able to earn his spot on the Baylor cross country and track team. He never stopped believing in what he was capable of. As gritty as they come.”

Coach Autumn Nelson said, “I couldn’t be prouder of Sarah for signing with Liberty University. Over the past four years, Sarah has fully dedicated herself to diving and has blossomed into a wonderful diver. It has been such an honor watching her confidence grow over the years, both in and out of the water. I’m so excited that her dream of diving at the collegiate level has come true. I can’t wait to see what barriers she breaks through in this next chapter!”