On April 26th, Parkland High School held its annual Media Day, or signing day, to recognize the athletes who will be competing at the collegiate level. There were approximately 48 student-athletes honored at the event, twelve of whom will be competing at the Division 1 level.
The Parkland Athletic Director proudly announced each of their names, along with the college they will be attending, their major, and impressive accolades. Andrew Beers, who will run track at Monmouth University, stated, “I think it represents Parkland sports. This year we have a lot of kids here at Media Day and even a lot going to compete at a high level. It shows and emphasizes how well Parkland sports do.” Parkland’s cafeteria was packed with athletes, along with their families and friends, thrilled to celebrate what these athletes have accomplished and the incredible journeys ahead of them.
Although they are proceeding onto a new chapter in their lives, the athletes didn’t fail to recognize the lessons their sports programs have taught them. “Parkland lacrosse taught me a lot of lessons, to be really coachable, not only on the field but all throughout life. My coach’s biggest thing is that she doesn’t only want to make us a great player, but also a great person. Being able to have those life lessons from her and character talks really brought me to be a great person on and off the field”, proclaimed future Pitt Women’s Lacrosse player, Gigi Leonzi. Many of the athletes acknowledged the relentless work ethic and drive their programs instilled into them. The impact these programs have had on these young-adults lives is undeniable and inspiring.
These athletes have created special connections with their teammates and coaches that are hard to leave behind. The countless hours of practice and battling through adversity together forms them into a special family. Ali Weeza, who will play football at Moravian University said, “I’ll definitely miss my teammates and coaches the most. The bond I made with them is really something special and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.” The relationships they made within the program will last them the entirety of their lives.
“I’m just excited to play. The game is just so different in college. It’s so much faster and being able to play with girls who are the best of the best is really exciting”, Leonzi admitted. All of these athletes are eager to start the next journey in their lives with a new sports family. Competing against new talent is something they are all looking forward to. They are ready to create more memories and bonds in a new environment.
After going through the stressful recruiting process, these athletes had advice for others embarking on that same process. Kutztown University Women’s Soccer commit, Aristea Gougoustamos advised, “Don’t look at what other people are doing, it’s your journey. Divisions don’t matter. It’s your life and just do what is best for you.” Several encouraged athletes trying to get recruited to be patient, remain positive, and find coaches and teammates that seem to best fit you.
Congratulations to all of these incredible student-athletes. The hard work, dedication, and talent it takes to get recruited and play at the college level cannot be understated. We’ll be watching to see these Trojans succeed at the collegiate level and their future endeavors.
