Sports

JSERRA, SERVITE SPORTS STARS SIGN UP

A total of 15 athletes from the two schools signed college commitment letters

By Jenelyn Russo     12/19/2017

Last month, both JSerra Catholic High School and Servite High School celebrated several of their senior student athletes as they signed scholarship letters of intent for college athletics during National Signing Day.  

JSerra had eight athletes from six different sports who made college commitments. 

“It was an honor to commemorate the day with these outstanding athletes from JSerra,” says JSerra Athletic Director, Chris Ledyard, who emceed the school’s ceremony. “These young men and women have delivered an effort that is truly valiant, and they have been recognized for that effort.” 

From the basketball court, 2nd Team All-Trinity League member and varsity starter, Joel Mensah, committed to San Diego State University, while four-year varsity starter and Lions captain, Jordan Alvarado, is headed to the University of Puget Sound. 

“Joel is an incredible athlete who plays with power and strength, but also with an incredible touch from the outside,” says JSerra boys basketball head coach, Zach Brogdon, “Jordan has natural athletic ability that allows him to attack the basket and play above the rim. His 3-point shooting, strong defense and valuable leadership have taken the Lions to new heights.” 

Lions baseball produced two athlete signings, as both senior captain Preston Miller and pitcher Jake Reed committed to the University of San Diego. 

“Jake’s process to signing has been phenomenal to watch, as he has blossomed into one of the top right-handed pitchers in the Southland,” says JSerra baseball head coach, Brett Kay. “Preston’s work ethic, as well as his personal beliefs in the process of player and skill development, has been one of the most gratifying things we have seen.”  

On the softball diamond, utility player Caitlin Lewis will be playing for Southern Nazarene University. 

“Caitlin finished the 2017 season with a .317 batting average and led the team in several offensive categories,” says JSerra softball head coach, Krysten Pushckor. “This year as a senior, we see Caitlin playing a critical leadership role and leading the JSerra Lady Lions to one of their best seasons yet.” 

In the pool, diver Carly Townsend, a former nationally ranked trampolinist with a gymnastics background, committed to the University of Wisconsin, after only starting her diving career in 2016. 

And in volleyball, three-time USA Volleyball gold medalist Pat Vorenkamp from the Lions boys team committed to UC Irvine, while Caroline Kennedy from the girls side is headed to Bryant University. The two-time captain is a 2017 1st Team All-Trinity League honoree. 

“Caroline is very coachable, competitive and committed to her assignments,” says JSerra girls volleyball head coach, Mike Murphy. “She leads by example and holds herself accountable to her teammates.” 

Up the freeway at Servite High School, seven student athletes representing three sports celebrated their commitments to continue their athletic and academic careers. 

From the baseball diamond, pitcher Christian Ciuffetelli and 1st Team All-Trinity League player Tanner Smith have committed to the University of Oregon, while pitcher Grant Newton is headed to the University of California, Santa Barbara. 

“These three are highly competitive individuals, and that’s one of the reasons they are successful,” says Servite baseball head coach, Shawn Gilbert. “They will be successful at the next level, and we expect good things out of them for this year.” 

Two Servite golfers who helped lead the Friars to three Trinity League titles and two CIF championships will continue their golfing careers in college. 

As a 1st Team All-Trinity League selection and the 2017 OC Register Golfer of the Year, Kyle Kinnane has committed to Loyola Marymount University. Seattle University commit Jack Rahon is a 1st Team All-Orange County and All-Trinity League honoree. 

“Players like Jack and Kyle only come around a few times in a coache’s career,” says Servite golf head coach, Dane Jako. “They both have done a great job of representing themselves, their families, and the Servite community and golf program.” 

From Servite’s lacrosse program, three-year varsity starter Jack Seals committed to Stevenson University and returning Trinity League Defensive Player of the Year, Hayden Rodenbeck, is headed to the University of Utah.  

“With a work ethic which is second to none, Hayden continues to drive our program forward by being a reliable leader on and off the field,” says Servite lacrosse head coach, Tom O’Leary. 

O’Leary also says that Seals has made great strides both on and off the field and that he truly embraces “Mastery of Self,” Servite’s formation theme. 

“We are very proud of the accomplishments of all our student athletes, both in the classroom and in their respective sports,” says Servite Athletic Director, Alan Clinton. “Their hard work and dedication have paid off in great dividends, as they have earned the opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. We wish them the best of luck and thank them for representing us so well.”