From Dreams To Reality: Student Athletes Make It Big With College Signing Day

On November 8, 2023, 6 Senior Athletes from Redwood High School signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at their future colleges. Rangers share their hopes and inspirations heading into this new part of their lives.

By Karli Branson and Isabella Valdez

Alyssa Hernandez, ‘24, signed with California State University, Bakersfield to play Division 1 soccer. Hernandez has been playing soccer for 14 years and shares her excitement towards her future. 

“I had received an offer from another college, and had the interest from a couple of other colleges as well, but the reason that I chose Bakersfield was because I felt extremely welcomed and wanted by the coaching staff,” says Hernandez.

She adds, “I feel I can make a huge impact on the defense and I can’t wait to play for them.”

Hernandez shares that her parents have been by her side every step of the way. She says, “They have pushed me to be the player and person that I am today. I have had many injuries consisting of 3 ankle surgeries and they were by my side every step of the way to help me heal.”

“I have everyone around me to thank including my family and all of my teammates growing up for the reason that I am here and have achieved my dream.”

Paityn Bruce, ‘24, has committed to play Division 1 soccer at Nicholls State University. She says, “I am super excited to be able to continue to play at the college level. I couldn’t imagine not playing after this year so I worked really hard to be able to create this opportunity.”

Bruce adds, “ There wasn’t anything very specific that inspired me to attend Nicholls, but I loved the fact that it’s in Louisiana. I’m very excited to experience living in another state.”

As for her inspiration, Bruce shares her family connections with the sport. “My mom played soccer at the college level and I have always wanted to do the same.” Bruce says that her parents have had the biggest inspirational impact on her through her career.

”They created every opportunity for me to succeed and have pushed me to be my very best. I am very grateful for them.”

Leah See, ’24, signed to continue her soccer career at a Division 1 level at California State University, Monterey Bay. See says that the adrenaline that she experiences on the field and when scoring is like no other.

See adds that she made this decision because of CSUMB’s Head Soccer Coach, Coach Laura. She says, “First meeting her she was very inviting and she is just nice.” See also looks forward to playing soccer once again alongside former Redwood Soccer player Olivia Saenz, ’23, who also attends CSUMB.

Volleyball player, Audrey Hyde, ‘24, plans to continue her career at Westmont College. She says, “I can’t imagine my life without Volleyball because that is what I have done my whole life so I am excited to keep playing.”

Hyde shares that her sister also attends Westmont which initially peaked her interest in the school. She shares that she also enjoys the Christian aspect of the school, and the beautiful campus. 

She adds that her mother has been her main inspiration. “She played College Volleyball so she is just a really good example. She really pushes me.”

Softball commit, Alexis Lopez, ‘24, has signed to continue her journey at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She says, “My dream was to live in Hawaii but because of the cost of living it seemed out of reach, so that scholarship was an important goal for me.”

Lopez continues, “At one point I didn’t think it was going to be possible after I had surgery but I was determined and it feels surreal that I will be playing at a College in Hawaii.”

“My family and friends have always been my biggest supporters and I couldn’t have done this without them. They inspire me to work hard every time that I step on the field and when I am off of the field too, so thank you to them for always being there for me.”

Isabella Valdez, ‘24, has committed to play Division 1 softball at Oregon State University, and has been playing for 12 years. Valdez says that the Oregon campus immediately felt like home. “I feel like it is going to be a place where I can grow and be happy with where I am at.”

“I knew at a very young age that I wanted to continue playing softball in College and I just want to go as far as I can with it.”

Valdez adds, “I immediately got along with the girls and the coaching staff and am excited for the seasons to come with these new people.”

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