The first official National Signing Day of the calendar year took place last month as students from JSerra Catholic High School and Servite High School signed letters of intent on February 6 to play college athletics.
JSerra celebrated five of their senior students who made commitments in two sports.
One of the most decorated girls’ soccer players to come out of Orange County, Isabella D’Aquila has committed to continuing her career at Santa Clara University. The two-time Trinity League champion and two-time CIF-SS Division 1 champion is also the reigning four-time Trinity League MVP.
As Orange County’s leading goal scorer in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, D’Aquila was also named both CIF-SS Division 1 and Orange County Register Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, she was honored as the 2017-18 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
“Isabella’s success can be attributed to two things,” says JSerra girls’ soccer head coach, Greg Baker. “She’s extremely committed, and she’s a leader, both vocally and in making everyone around her better. She has risen to the occasion in every championship game.”
From the gridiron, the Lions saw four football players make college commitments in last month.
Offensive lineman Jacob Angel and defensive back Quantraill Morris Walker committed to Idaho State University. Long snapper Seth MacKellar signed to play for the Wildcats at the University of Arizona, and wide receiver Tarik Luckett will be playing for the University of Colorado.
Those four joined six other Lions who participated in the college football early signing period in December. Quarterback Caden Bell committed to Columbia University. Defensive lineman Shawn Nielsen is headed to San Diego State University. Wide receiver Munir McClain will play for the Trojans of USC. Offensive lineman Etuate Moala will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. Wide receiver and defensive back Calvin Mouisset has signed with the University of California, Davis, and tight end Grant Ristoff committed to the University of Pennsylvania.
“We are very excited for our 10 players that have signed their National Letters of Intent,” says JSerra football head coach, Pat Harlow. “It is a testament to the hard work they have put in both academically and athletically.”
Added JSerra Athletic Director, Chris Ledyard, “This is a special day that honors a culmination of four years of work from these athletes. We are proud of them and their accomplishments in this education-based athletics environment.”
Servite honored eight student athletes from four sports with a signing day ceremony in February.
Two-time All-Trinity League honoree Richard Krebs has committed to play football for Princeton University. Krebs played both offensive and defensive line for Servite, served as a captain and was named to the OC All-Star game.
“On behalf of the entire football coaching staff, we are all so very proud of Richard Krebs and his loving family,” says Servite football head coach, Troy Thomas. “The Krebs have been able to endure and remain positive through some very tough times, all the while being strong supporters of the program. We will never forget their example.”
Three-year varsity volleyball player Christian Oviedo has committed to Concordia University Irvine.
“Christian has really worked hard to improve himself as a volleyball player and has established himself as one of the best setters in Orange County,” says Servite volleyball head coach, Matt Marrujo. “He has made a huge impact on our team the last couple years as a player on the court and a leader in the locker room.”
From the pool, water polo player Jack Dunbar will be continuing his career at Loyola Marymount University. The three-year varsity Friar was a part of the school’s 2018 CIF Division 3 championship team and was named 2018 1st Team All-CIF.
“Jack epitomizes what it means to be a student athlete and a man of Servite,” says Servite water polo head coach, Andy Coffman. “As his coach, I couldn’t have more pride in how Jack has worked, sacrificed and achieved success in his sport.”
Servite also celebrated five soccer players who made college commitments.
Alex Chavez will be playing for the University of La Verne. Friars captain Brett Lux has committed to Concordia University Irvine. Kyle Pearce is headed to Hope International University. Zuriel Silva will play for Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Chad Sinclair has committed to Biola University.
“We as a soccer program are proud of these young men for their work both in the classroom and on the soccer field,” says Servite soccer head coach, Jon Spencer. “These young men have sacrificed many other opportunities to prepare themselves to play college soccer. With this group in particular, we have noticed significant development and growth in their game over the last four years and are looking forward to see them continue to play college soccer.”