Forty-Five SMCHS Students Celebrate Athletic Commitments at Fall Signing Day

Forty-five student-athletes from Santa Margarita Catholic High School celebrated their commitment to attend colleges nationwide to continue their athletic careers, marking the largest fall commitment celebration in the school’s history.

The milestone surpasses the previous record by 11 student-athletes, with 34 Class of 2023 graduates celebrating their commitments in the fall of 2022. This year's group consists of 31 girls and 14 boys spanning 13 different sports. Leading the way are nine student-athletes from the girls swim team, who helped lead the team to three consecutive Trinity League, CIF-Southern Section Division I and state championships. Other strong representation comes from softball with eight commitments, five from baseball and four each from boys lacrosse, girls soccer and girls volleyball. The group also includes three football players. Dozens more SMCHS student-athletes are expected to sign later this school year.

“Today we celebrate the talent, dedication and hard work of these 45 student-athletes,” said Mike Hiserman, Associate Director of College Relations at Santa Margarita. “Their achievements reflect not only their commitment but also the invaluable support from their families, trainers, youth coaches and other positive influences. Success like this isn’t achieved alone – the entire Santa Margarita community shares in this moment, applauding each student-athlete on this remarkable achievement and the countless hours they’ve put in to reach this point.”

As a college-fit advisor, Hiserman collaborates with student-athletes, coaches, college counselors and families to help facilitate opportunities for those interested in competing at the college level. The program is available to all student-athletes at Santa Margarita, regardless of whether they play for a school team.

View and download photos by photographer Steve Wylie.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School congratulates the following student-athletes:

BASEBALL

Trevor Banning of San Juan Capistrano has committed to Santa Clara University for baseball.

Trevor is a two-way player, an infielder and pitcher. He is a three-year Varsity letterman for the Eagles, serving primarily as a pitcher as a sophomore, when he had a win and two saves in 10 appearances, and then pitching and playing third base as a junior. One of his highlights was hitting a game-winning grand slam last season against St. John Bosco. Trevor has also carried a 3.78 grade-point average and has been cited three times as a baseball scholar-athlete. Trevor has competed in club for the MAD Mavericks. Prep Baseball Report selected him as a Team Captain in its Futures Game. Trevor has volunteered with the NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) Foundation, as well as the Little League Challenger program. He also has worked with the Miracles for Kids organization and the Second Harvest Food Bank. 

Hayden George of San Clemente has committed to UCLA for baseball.

Hayden is a three-year Varsity starter for the Eagles.  As a sophomore, Hayden made eight starts, including five in the Trinity League in which he had 29 strikeouts and a 1.49 earned-run average in 25 innings. Hayden was a 2023 Brewers Area Code Selection, participating in Amateur Baseball’s most prestigious summer showcase for high school players. Hayden was also selected by USA Baseball to take part in its National Team Development Program. He has twice been a Perfect Game Preseason All-American. Off the field, Hayden has volunteered with the NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) Foundation, as well as the Little League Challenger program. Hayden has also been a youth league umpire.  

Aramis Perez of Trabuco Canyon has committed to Whittier College for baseball.

Aramis is a high-character, hard-working, positive presence for the Eagles’ baseball program and is a two-year Varsity letterman as a catcher and outfielder. Aramis hit .385 as a sophomore, but injuries cut short his junior season. Showing resilience, Aramis competed for the SoCal Birds Baseball Academy during the offseason to earn his opportunity to play at Whittier.  During his time at Santa Margarita, Aramis has volunteered with the NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) Foundation, as well as the Little League Challenger program.   Aramis also is a member of SM’s peer ministry and has been a retreat leader.  

Ethan Russell of Laguna Niguel has committed to UC San Diego for baseball.

Ethan, a right-handed pitcher, is a three-year Varsity letterman for the Eagles.  As a junior, Ethan appeared in 13 games, making seven starts, and compiled a 5-2 win-loss record and a 2.49 earned-run average.  Ethan’s coaches say he is a consummate teammate -- a dedicated and respectful young man. He’s also a tremendous student, earning three citations as a scholar-athlete for baseball while maintaining a 4.02 grade-point average. During his time at Santa Margarita, Ethan has volunteered with the NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) Foundation, as well as the Little League Challenger program. Ethan also has volunteered for Sandy Feet Initiatives and Miracles for Kids / Boundless Athletics.

Gavin Spiridonoff of Aliso Viejo has committed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for baseball.

Gavin is a three-year Varsity letterman for the Eagles and will be a two-year starter at shortstop.  He started all 33 games for the Eagles as a junior, compiling a .955 fielding percentage.  Gavin was tabbed as a Preseason Underclass All-American by Perfect Game.  Gavin has competed for the TB SoCal club team, winning USA Baseball national championships and a Perfect Game WWBA National Championship with the 2025s.  During his time at Santa Margarita, Gavin has volunteered with the NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) Foundation, as well as the Little League Challenger program. Gavin has also been a Junior Lifeguard.  

BASKETBALL

Dallas Washington of Lake Forest has committed to Long Beach State for basketball.

Dallas is a four-year Varsity athlete who transferred to Santa Margarita Catholic from Northern California before his sophomore year.  A Varsity starter for the Eagles the past two seasons, Dallas was a part of a historic win over Mater Dei as well as consecutive appearances in the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.  Ranked nationally in the prestigious ESPN Top 100 in the Class of 2025, Dallas earned first-team All-Trinity League honors as a junior, as well as second-team All-CIF Southern Section. As a senior, he hopes the Eagles can make a run at a Trinity League championship. Last year, Dallas was a scholar athlete. Away from the court, he enjoys spending time with family, playing with his two dogs, going to the beach and playing video games.

FOOTBALL

Sean Embree of Ladera Ranch has committed to Washington State as an early enrollee for football.

Tall and fast, with those long arms, Sean is a deep threat who also runs crisp short and middle-distance routes. A three-year starter for the Eagles, he earned All-Trinity League recognition three times, including his first-team selection this season. He has established three Santa Margarita receiving records the past two seasons, showcasing his skill and dedication to the game. Away from the field, Sean enjoys spending time with friends, often playing basketball and Xbox. He is not only dedicated to his sport but also has a 3.34 grade-point average and values his family connections; he has an older sister, Tèa, and considers Ethan, a younger brother, his teammate.

Jayden-Jamal Hanne of Berlin, Germany has committed to the University of Georgia as an early enrollee for football.

JJ is a two-year Varsity defensive lineman at SM, moving to the United States from Germany during his sophomore year when he started playing tackle football. With a combination of focus, work ethic, natural talent and help from some great coaches, JJ made an incredibly quick transition – not just to American high school football, but to Trinity League football – and he became a two-year starter for the Eagles. He was honored to be chosen as a team captain this season by a vote of his teammates. JJ received 21 scholarship offers from schools such as Alabama, Oregon, Florida, Texas and Texas A&M before choosing Georgia. While adapting on the field, JJ worked hard in the classroom to build a 3.44 grade-point average. In his free time, JJ makes sure he spends phone time with his mother and brothers back in Germany.   

Elijah Vaikona of Trabuco Canyon has committed to USC as an early enrollee for football.

Elijah is a four-year varsity football athlete who joined the Eagles in December of his junior year. He was a three-year Varsity basketball player at Xavier Prep in Palm Desert, where he also threw the shotput for the track & field program, earning honors in all three sports. He is ranked as a top 50 high school football player in California and a top 50 offensive tackle nationally. He received more than 20 Division I scholarship offers from schools such as UCLA, Washington and Arkansas before choosing to attend USC. He is also an accomplished equestrian and champion cattle sorter, having ridden horses competitively from age 5.

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK

Angela Russo of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to Montana State University at Billings for cross country and track.

Angela has been a dedicated member of the Eagles’ cross-country team for four years, the last two as a Varsity athlete. As a junior, she helped SM to a runner-up finish at the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 meet and third place in Division 3 at the State meet. Beyond her athletic achievements, Angela serves as an Explorer Sergeant in the Orange County Sheriff’s Explorers program. In this role, she volunteers to assist the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in various community and civic events, including parades and charitable activities. Through this program, she has gained valuable insights into police work while giving back to her community.  In college, Angela plans to major in Business Management. She has aspirations of a career in law enforcement.

GOLF

Taryn Cagle of San Clemente has committed to the University of Notre Dame for golf.

Taryn is a four-year Varsity golfer for the Eagles, earning first-team All-Trinity League all four years. She has helped Santa Margarita win two state championships and a national championship, and she will be representing the Eagles tomorrow at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills at the state qualifier as SM goes for its third consecutive State championship. Off the course, she has maintained a 4.66 grade-point average. She is a member of the California Scholarship Federation and has served as a student ambassador, as well as a volunteer with the CRS club and Rising Above Disabilities Camp. When she’s not driving for show and putting for dough, you can find her at the beach or playing pickleball with friends.

BOYS LACROSSE

Brady Kezelman of Dana Point has committed to Manhattan College for lacrosse.

Brady is a four-year Varsity starter as a defender for the Eagles, as well as a four-year scholar-athlete. As a freshman, he was a second-team All-Trinity League choice, and he was a first-team selection the past two seasons when he also was SM’s Defensive Player of the Year. Last season, Brady was chosen first-team All-Orange County and second-team All-CIF Southern Section in Division 1. Brady helped the Eagles to a Trinity League championship in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024. He also has played on the Nike and New Balance national teams. In the classroom, Brady has maintained a 3.48 grade-point average and has served as a Student Ambassador for the past three years. He spends his extra time at the beach, on the golf course, and with his family.

Ryan Silva of San Clemente has committed to Westminster University for lacrosse.

A four-year Varsity scholar-athlete, Ryan has been a key member of the Eagles’ defense, playing both long stick midfield and close defense. As a sophomore, he led SM in caused turnovers, contributing to the Eagles' Trinity League Championship and earning first-team all-league. As a junior, Ryan once again led his team in caused turnovers, was recognized as SM’s Defensive Player of the Year, and earned first-time all-league, All-Orange County and All-CIF Southern Section. Off the field, Ryan has maintained a 3.96 grade-point average and is a member of the California Scholarship Federation. He enjoys playing golf and pickleball with family and friends.

Nolan Taylor of Mission Viejo has committed to Stevenson University for lacrosse.

Nolan is a four-year Varsity starter in high school, playing attack and midfield. As a freshman, he was Rookie of the Year at Crean Lutheran High, where he also played as a sophomore before transferring to SM. As a junior, Nolan helped the Eagles reach the CIF-Southern Section Division I Finals and he was a second-team selection to the All-Trinity League team. In the classroom, Nolan has overcome learning disabilities to maintain a 3.45 grade-point average. He’s also been a positive influence on younger people, as a youth lacrosse coach and also as a volunteer in church youth ministry. Away from school and lacrosse, Nolan enjoys the beach, hanging out with friends and sharing laughs with his sister.

Ryan Winters of San Juan Capistrano has committed to Boston University for lacrosse.

Ryan is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete and a starting midfielder for the Eagles. He is a three-time selection to the All-Trinity League team – twice as a first-team pick. Last season, Ryan was SM’s Offensive Player of the Year and Trinity League Player of the Year. He made the All-CIF Southern Section Division 1 first team after accumulating 40 goals, 22 assists, 50 ground balls and 17 caused turnovers. Ryan is a two-time SM team captain and was part of three Nike National All-Star teams. He has also been a USA Lacrosse All-American. Academically, Ryan has a 4.2 grade-point average and is a member of the California Scholarship Federation. He also is a Student Ambassador and co-president of SM’s Pickleball Club. Outside of lacrosse and school, Ryan enjoys the beach, golfing and snow skiing.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Catherine Maroutsos of Laguna Niguel has committed to Ohio State for lacrosse.

Catie is a four-year Varsity scholar athlete and starter for the Eagles. She has earned first-team All-Trinity League and All-CIF Southern Section honors in each of her first three seasons, as well as All-Orange County twice. She has been team captain for three years and was a U.S. Lacrosse High School All-American in 2024. Off the field, Catie has maintained a 4.02 grade-point average and is a member of the National Honors Society. She has been an active member of ASB at SM for three years. Catie also dedicates time to community service, volunteering at Renegade and Mad Dog Lacrosse. In her free time, she enjoys music, going to the beach and spending time with friends and family. Her goal for 2025 is to help Santa Margarita to its first CIF Championship in girls’ lacrosse. 

Paige Peters of Coto de Caza has committed to Florida State for lacrosse.

Paige is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete and three-year captain for the Eagles.  She is a three-time first-team All-Trinity League selection, winning the league’s MVP award twice, and she is a three-time CIF-Southern Section Division 1 first-team choice and a three-time first-team All-Orange County selection. Paige is a two-time USA All-American as well as a USA Academic All-American. She has helped SM to a pair of Southern Section quarterfinals, one Southern Section Final and two Trinity League titles. A member of the National Honors Society, Paige has been an Eagles’ scholar-athlete four times accumulating a 4.24 grade point average. She volunteers her time for MaxLove Project, FAM and coaching at various levels of youth lacrosse.  She also loves music, traveling, skiing and art.   

BOYS SOCCER

Tiago Aranibar of Lake Forest has committed to Westmont College for soccer.

Tiago, a two-year Varsity player for the Eagles, played a pivotal role on defense in his club team’s recent national championship, demonstrating not only outstanding technical skill but also a commitment to teamwork. Indeed, Tiago’s humility and selflessness make him a player who prioritizes whatever is best for the team. A native of Lima, Peru, Tiago also is a strong student, as his 3.93 grade-point average indicates. And he is gifted musically. The son of a musician, he is accomplished on the drums, piano and guitar.

Rafferty Ladd of Ladera Ranch has committed to Lewis & Clark College for soccer.

Raff is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete and starting midfielder for the Eagles. He is known as a leader on the pitch and fully committed to competing until the final whistle. He’s also known as a player who typically places himself in the right place at the right time, which has been Instrumental in earning SM some landmark victories. In the classroom, his grades have risen yearly – a trend his parents hope continues – and his entrepreneurial spirit has fueled a thrifting and reselling project that has turned a profit. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, mountain biking and playing pickleball with friends.

GIRLS SOCCER

Emily Davey of Trabuco Canyon has committed to the University of Oklahoma for soccer.

Emily is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete who played a key role in Santa Margarita winning the CIF-Southern Section Division I championship in 2023 and its second consecutive State regional championship last season. She earned an honorable mention to the All-Trinity League in 2024. During the club season, she was the youngest member of the OCSC Semi-Pro Academy team that won the USL national championship in 2022, and her ECNL club team was ranked No. 5 in the nation for the 2022-2023 season. Additionally, Emily was one of only 40 girls nationwide selected to attend the Girls Academy National ID camp for two consecutive years. Away from the pitch, she enjoys country music, going to the beach and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Natalie Leon of San Clemente has committed to the University of Central Florida for soccer

Natalie is a four-year member of the Eagles’ Varsity and a key contributor on defense to SM’s 2023 CIF-Southern Section Division I championship and back-to-back- State regional championships the past two seasons. Natalie is almost as strong with her left foot as she is with her dominant right foot, and she is known for her competitive spirit. During the club season, she has been a two-year starter on defense for the ECNL Slammers FC '07 Club and qualified for the round of 16 at the ECNL National playoffs. An accomplished journalist/writer, she will pursue a degree in Marketing or Sports Media. Off the field, Natalie enjoys volunteering at church and at Serra’s pantry. She also helps raise money for mental health awareness. In her free time, she enjoys the beach and spending time with her family and friends.

Emma Newman of Mission Viejo has committed to the University of Richmond for soccer.

Emma is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete who has helped the Eagles to a CIF-Southern Section Division I championship and a pair of State regional titles the past two seasons. She had the championship-winning penalty kick for SM in last season’s regional title game. During the club season, she competes in the ECNL league for Slammers FC, one of the top teams in the country. She also has been a part of a player development program that selects some of the best soccer athletes in Orange County to compete against teams from other areas. Emma has maintained a 4.25 grade-point average while balancing high school and club competition, and still finds time to enjoy the beach and spend time with her family and friends.

Hannah Yao of Aliso Viejo has committed to Chico State for soccer.

After being honored as “Best Defender” of the Eagles’ JV team, Hannah has been a Varsity member the past two years and contributed last season to SM winning Trinity League and State regional championships. On the club circuit, she was a starter in the 2024 Continental Tire ECNL Regional League Selection Game. Academically, Hannah has consistently earned Honor Roll status while maintaining a 3.67 grade-point average. She also is a committed community volunteer, serving with the National Charity League for the past five years and contributing more than 115 hours of service. Her favorite charity is Family Assistance Ministries. In her free time, Hannah enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

SWIM & DIVE

Gracyn Aquino of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to the University of California at Berkeley for swimming.

Gracyn is one of the most improved swimmers over her four years in SM history. Gracyn went from a new varsity swimmer as a freshman to became one of the top freestyle sprinters in California history. Gracyn has won two individual CIF titles in the 50 freestyle in 2023 and 2024, and was crowned the state champion in the 50 freestyle in 2023. Gracyn has been listed as a multi-event All-American being named one of the top 50 swimmers in the nation in the 50 and 100 freestyles six times. Gracyn was a member of the CIF record-setting 200 medley relay in 2023 and swam a leg on the national record 200 freestyle relay in 2023. She will be named a NISCA Academic All-American at the end of this year (4.36 GPA).

Cameron Craycraft of Ladera Ranch has committed to Seton Hall University for diving.

One of the best divers in Santa Margarita school history, Cameron’s journey to a collegiate-level performer saw her start at the novice level and improve to a CIF-Southern Section qualifier in just three years. Cameron began diving in 2022, her freshman year when she placed seventh in the Trinity League Finals.  The next year, as a sophomore, Cameron moved up to fifth in the Trinity League and qualified for the CIF-Southern Section Championships for the first time.  This past spring, Cameron set her highest overall dive score as an Eagle -- 441.55 -- and qualified for the Southern Section Championships for the second time. Cameron dives for the Mission Viejo Nadadores and qualified for Regionals in 2022, and then reached Zones in 2023.  She carries a 3.63 grade-point average.

Samantha Cummins of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to the University of Kansas for swimming.

Sammy’s versatility is demonstrated by the multitude of CIF-Southern Section Championship events she has qualified for. As a freshman in 2022, Sammy qualified for the Southern Section meet in the 500 freestyle and advanced to the championship final. The following year, Sammy again qualified for the meet in the 500 freestyle and added a swim in the 100 butterfly.  This past Spring, Sammy competed in the 200 and 500 freestyles in the Southern Section Championships. Sammy qualified for the State Championships in 500 freestyle in 2023, and swam the backstroke leg of the team’s 200 medley relay that placed third at the state meet in 2024. A two-year team captain, she has been a member of SM teams that have won three consecutive Trinity League, CIF-Southern Section, State and National championships. This past Spring, Sammy received the team’s Jesse Reese Most Inspirational Award.

Giselle Hollis of Dove Canyon has committed to Seattle University for swimming.

Giselle is among the most versatile freestylers in the state. She has achieved CIF-Southern Section qualifying times in the 50 and 500 freestyles, from sprints to distance.  Giselle has qualified to swim in the CIF-Southern Section Championships in her first three years at Santa Margarita Catholic.  She qualified in the 200 freestyle in 2022, the 200 and 500 freestyles as a sophomore in 2023, and the 200 freestyle this past spring. Giselle also qualified for the State Championships in the 200 freestyle. Giselle’s top time in the 200 freestyle ranks her 14^th in SM’s proud school history, and she is 25^th in the 500 freestyle. Among the most respected members of SM’s team, Giselle has been a team captain as a junior and senior by vote of her teammates. She carries a 3.77 grade-point average.

Morgan Hoppe of Ladera Ranch has committed to the University of California at Santa Barbara for swimming.

Morgan will be remembered as one of the most improved swimmers in school history. A record-setting junior varsity swimmer as a freshman, Morgan, as a sophomore, qualified for the CIF-Southern Section Championships in the 100 breaststroke. Then, last season as a junior, she was part of SM’s Southern Section and State Champion 200 freestyle relay team. This season, she is a team captain. Morgan also thrives in the classroom and community. She is a member of National Honor Society, California Scholastic Federation and National Art Honors Society. She received an SM “Excellence in Art Award,” and her work was chosen for display at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts. A recipient of the Charism Award for Humility at SM, Morgan is a member of the National Charity League and has accumulated more than 150 hours of service since her freshman year.

Audrey Lee of Trabuco Canyon has committed to Harvard University for swimming.

Audrey combines the speed of one of the top freestyle sprinters in the United States with a high level of academic excellence.  Audrey has qualified for the State Championships in her first three years on the SM swim team.  She earned All-American recognition in the 50 freestyle last Spring and in the 200 freestyle in 2022.  Audrey won state championships as a member of SM’s 400 freestyle relay teams in 2024 and 2023.  The 400 freestyle relay team that Audrey swam on this past Spring was third-fastest in the United States.  At the end of this season, Audrey will be recognized as a NISCA Academic All-American. She has been a key member of three consecutive Trinity League, Southern Section, State and National championship teams. She has a 4.57 grade point average. 

Victoria Mori of Irvine has committed to Columbia University for swimming.

Victoria entered Santa Margarita Catholic ranked as one of the most versatile freshman swimmers in the nation, then exceeded even those lofty expectations during her high school career. Victoria has qualified for the CIF-Southern Section Championships in each of her three seasons at SM, in various events -- the 100 butterfly, the 100 breaststroke, the 100 freestyle, the 200 freestyle and the 200 individual medley. This year, Victoria earned All-American status in three events — the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles. She has qualified for the State championships each year in at least one individual event, and this past Spring won two state titles as a member of SM’s 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams.  At the end of this year, Victoria will be named a NISCA Academic All-American. She carries a 4.62 grade-point average.

Teagan O’Dell of Chino Hills has committed to the University of California at Berkeley for swimming.

Arguably the greatest female high school swimmer that California has ever produced – and yes, we do remember Janet Evans -- Teagan will conclude her career at SM as the most decorated female swimmer in school history.  Teagan has won six individual CIF-Southern Section titles in events ranging from the 200 individual medley to the 100 backstroke to the 100 butterfly.  She has also won four State titles and, in 2023, established the national high school record in the 200 individual medley. She has at least part in three national high school records, including the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Teagan was honored as Swimming World Magazine’s National High School Swimmer of the Year in 2023, and she qualified for the 2024 U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials.  After qualifying for the Trials’ final in the 200 backstroke, Teagan represented the U.S. at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships, taking home three gold medals, including gold in the 200 individual medley. Teagan will be recognized as an NISCA Academic All-American at the end of this year. She carries a 3.98 grade-point average.

Chloe Stinson of Coto de Caza has committed to the University of North Carolina for swimming.

Chloe is among the fastest sprinters and butterfliers in school history and one of the top all-around swimmers in the nation. She is a four-time NISCA All-American in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly.  Chloe has qualified for the CIF-Southern Section championships in her first three years on the varsity. She advanced to the State championships in the butterfly three consecutive years and in the 50 freestyle this past Spring.  Chloe is a member of SM’s record-setting 200 medley relay team and, as a junior, earned two more All-American swims as part of the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relays. Chloe has been a member of three consecutive Trinity League, Southern Section, State, and National championship teams and, at the end of her senior year, will be recognized as a NISCA Academic All-American. She has a 4.50 grade point average.

SOFTBALL

Loreale Blake of Trabuco Canyon has committed to Seton Hall University for softball.

Loreale is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete and is the Eagles’ starting shortstop. She earned second-team All-Trinity League honors in 2023 and was honorable mention last season. Her coaches say she is the definition of a leader, prioritizing her teammates and always being supportive. Her leadership qualities were acknowledged when her teammates recognized her with the E.A.G.L.E. Award during her freshman year. Away from the field, Loreale has maintained a 3.77 grade-point average and is recognized all over campus as the Eagles TV “Weather Girl” for the past three years. Loreale loves music, the beach and spending time with her family, friends and five Frenchies.

Alyssa Grajeda of Trabuco Canyon has committed to Brigham Young University for softball.

Alyssa is a versatile infielder who has twice been chosen All-Trinity League and also earned numerous accolades and championships with her club team. She was chosen to the 2023 and 2024 TC Nationals All-tournament team, received MVP honors in the Super Cup West, and her batting average was among the top five at the 2024 Triple Crown Nationals. Alyssa was an honor-roll student at JSerra before transferring to SM for her senior year. Away from campus, she has volunteered with the OC Rescue Mission, Sunshine Kids and several youth softball camps.

Payton Kennedy of San Clemente has committed to the University of Mississippi for softball.

Payton is a four-year scholar-athlete and Varsity starter for the Eagles and has earned All-Trinity League honors three times. She has also been chosen to All-CIF-Southern Section, All-Orange County, and All-State teams. This year, she is a member of SM’s Varsity Leadership Counsel. Away from SM, Payton has become a role model by umpiring and working with young players on their mechanics and softball skills. Recently, she was invited to Angels Stadium, where she shared insights about the college recruiting process and spoke to young athletes about the mental aspects of softball. In her free time, she enjoys baking, the beach and playing pickleball.

Gabriella Marchetti of Coto de Caza has committed to Babson College for softball.

Bella is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete and an outfielder for the Eagles, earning second-team All-Trinity League honors in 2023. Away from the field, Bella has maintained a 4.18 grade point average and is a member of the National Honors Society and California Scholarship Federation. She’s also a student ambassador on campus and is founder and president of Baking For Good, a non-profit service organization that provides baked goods to the less fortunate. In her free time, Bella enjoys reading, baking, playing pickleball and going to the beach with her friends.

Jillian Torres of Coto de Caza has committed to the University of Notre Dame for softball.

Jillian is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete and starter in the outfield for the Eagles. She has earned accolades as All-CIF Southern Section, second-team All-State and has twice been first-team All-Trinity League. Jillian is not only a hard worker on the field, but also in the classroom where she has maintained a 4.23 grade-point average. Away from the diamond, she has helped strengthen the SM community as a Student Ambassador and operating as vice president of the Baking for Goods Club. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and playing pickle ball.

Sofia Zavarella of Coto de Caza has committed to Santa Clara University for softball.

Sofia is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete and was the softball program’s Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman. She has earned All-Trinity League honors the past three seasons -- second team, then first team, then honorable mention. Away from the field, Sofia has maintained a 4.10 grade-point average and is a member of the National Honors Society. She participates in SM’s Peer Ministry as a retreat leader and is a Eucharistic Minister. Sofia is also a member of the San Francisco Solano Youth Ministry and belongs to the Baking for Good Club.

Mia Deck of Laguna Hills has committed to Brandeis University for softball.

Mia is a four-year scholar-athlete who has contributed to the Eagles as a catcher and utility player. Her teammates voted her the E.A.G.L.E.S Values Award in 2023 and her coaches say she is a “quiet leader” with the “eye of a tiger” when she steps to the plate to hit. Off the field, Mia has maintained a 4.18 grade point average and participated in Peer Ministry, Link Crew, and as SM’s Yearbook Editor. She has served as a community philanthropist and founder of “Softball Sisters” – a female athlete mentorship program -- and was selected as a R.A.D. Camp Counselor in support of special needs students. In her free time, Mia enjoys the beach, baking and spending time with her family.

Sawyer Denser of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to Loyola Marymount University for softball.

Sawyer is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete and a starting pitcher for the Eagles. As a sophomore, she was second-team All-Trinity League, moving up to the first team last season. She has received SM’s E.A.G.L.E. Award as well as the Justice Award. In the classroom, Sawyer has maintained a 4.15 grade-point-average while participating in choir. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Outside of SM, Sawyer has played high-caliber club ball for six years, helping her teams win IDT Championships in 2022 and 2024 and the Super Cup in 2024. Sawyer enjoys working with local pet organizations, fostering dogs and helping them find their forever family. She also enjoys country concerts. 

TENNIS

Savannah Salvin of Mission Viejo has committed to Arizona Christian University for tennis.

Savannah is a four-year Varsity scholar-athlete as a doubles player and has been team captain her junior and senior seasons. She played a critical role in securing the Trinity League team title and achieved second place in the Trinity League Individuals tournament. She has twice qualified for the CIF-Southern Section individuals’ tournament. Off the court, Savannah has maintained a 3.63 grade-point average and supported her community by volunteering with her church, where she leads youth ministry and participates in fundraisers. In her free time, she enjoys gym workouts and going to the beach with friends and family.

VOLLEYBALL

Brooklyn Drumwright of San Clemente has committed to Samford University for volleyball.

Brooklyn is a four-year Varsity starter as an outside hitter on SM’s indoor team and, as a freshman, was a starter in beach volleyball, earning first-team All-Trinity League honors. She was MVP of the Tesoro Tournament during the 2023 indoor season, earning “Athlete of the Week” by the OC Register. Her favorite volleyball memory is winning USA American gold at nationals and, a month later, USA Beach American gold during her 14s season. Brooklyn has been captain of her club team the past five years and led it to a second-place finish in the Southern California regionals in her 17s season. Her club team was top 50 in the country for her 15s, 16s, and 17s seasons. She is a seven-year member of National Charity League, volunteering with Homefront America, FAM, Laura's House, Ocean Institute, The Shea Center and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. She also volunteers in children’s ministry at her church and enjoys playing piano and guitar, walking the beach trail with friends and beach volleyball.

Lauren Farris of Coto de Caza has committed to Columbia University for volleyball.

Lauren, an outside hitter, is a three-year Varsity scholar-athlete who is ranked 14^th in California at her position in her graduating class. With her club team, she made the JVA all-tournament team and Dream Team consideration for the Open Division of USAV Nationals. Away from the court, Lauren has maintained a 4.86 grade-point average, receiving First Honors in each of her semesters at SM. Additionally, she has received recognition as a National Merit Commended Scholar, along with being a member of National Honors Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Lauren has won seven Model United Nations conference awards and, since her sophomore year, has volunteered at the non-profit ENGin, for whom she has virtually tutored a student from Ukraine.

Sierra Lenzen of Rancho Mission Viejo has committed to Salisbury University for volleyball.

Sierra has not competed for SM, but she has been the lead blocker and a team captain for her club teams. This past season, she helped her club team earn a silver medal at the Volleyball Festival Championships in Phoenix and also to a top-10 finish at an international tournament in Hawaii. Her club coach says Sierra “is one of those athletes that makes you look forward to coming to practice every day as a coach.” Sierra is an Honor Roll student who is a member of the National Honors Society and the California Scholarship Federation. She also is a Student Ambassador and a member of ASB. In her free time, she volunteers working with senior citizens and enjoys day trips with her friends and family. 

Klea Miloti of Laguna Niguel has committed to Northeastern University for volleyball.

Klea is nearing the culmination of a remarkable journey. During her sophomore year, Klea embraced her family’s heritage by spending a year in Albania, where she was the only unpaid player for a professional team. That experience resulted in her having to sit out her junior year of high school competition, but she has still excelled both on the court and in the classroom, where she has maintained a 4.12 grade-point average. Klea is a youth volleyball coach, belongs to the National Honor Society and serves as a Speak Up Ambassador at SM. Outside of her academic and athletic commitments, Klea loves baking and spending time with family and friends.