Ten Warriors participate in letter of intent ceremony

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

Ten Fallbrook High School seniors participated in a letter of intent signing ceremony at the school, May 16.

Liberty Benitez will play women’s rugby at Life University in suburban Atlanta. Kaleb Collings will join the University of Redlands football team. Johnny Downey will participate in men’s lacrosse at Boise State University. Mikayla Gioia will be on the women’s soccer team at Culver‑Stockton College in northeastern Missouri. Rayana Hilborn will continue her dance squad career at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa.

Trenton Pack will play football for the University of Laverne. Francisco Paredes will continue his water polo career at California State University Fullerton. Manava Pedro will be on the men’s volleyball team of Ottawa University in suburban Phoenix. Annie Riley will compete in women’s beach volleyball for Cal State University Long Beach. Taylor Sanchez will be part of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women’s lacrosse team.

“Proud of these seniors who are not only obviously signing letters of intent but have helped build a really important school culture with their success in athletics,” said Fallbrook High Athletic Director Pat Walker.

Because the signing was ceremonial, letters of intent were not actually signed May 16. Many student-athletes signed their letters of intent earlier. The ceremony also allows athletes who attend NCAA Division III or other non-scholarship programs to participate as well as students attending military academies which do not have official letters of intent.

“I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve done,” said Fallbrook High School Principal Lauren Jones.

“Just extremely proud of these students who have dedicated their time to being student-athletes,” said Fallbrook Union High School District Superintendent Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez.

“I’m proud to have them representing Fallbrook High School,” Jones said. “It’s wonderful to see students who have figured out how to be successfully well-rounded.”

Walker also noted that the students’ success in the classroom was also responsible for the seniors being provided the college offers they received. He also expressed his appreciation to the players’ coaches and parents.

Garza-Gonzalez also noted the role of the coaches. “Our coaches are mentors, teachers. They go above and beyond to provide these student-athletes,” she said.

Editor’s Note: Individual stories on each student-athlete will be published in the next few weeks.