On November 9, 2022, 11 San Marcos student-athletes saw their dreams become reality as they signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI). In signing this document, the student-athlete commits to attending their respective university for one academic year. For these 11 students at SM, all of the time, effort, and hard work they put into their sports was on display at a ceremony in the Greek Theater. Principal Holdren opened the event by saying a few words about the accomplishment. The athletes then introduced themselves before signing their letters simultaneously. Afterwards, the athletes took pictures with friends and family and spoke to local media. This was one of two signing day ceremonies we have every year at SM, as another one will take place this spring.
The 11 athletes who signed are from only 5 different sports at San Marcos. Five members of the girl’s water polo team will all participate in Division 1 programs starting next year. They are: Ava Stryker (USC), Elaia Hamilton (Cal), Kate Meyer (Cal), Reagan McEachen (Stanford), and Sophia Panossian (Michigan). The talent of the SM girls’s water polo team is hard to miss. The next most represented sport is baseball, with Cole Schoenwetter (UCSB) and Owen Eastabrook (Columbia) both signing to Division 1 programs as well. Representing the golf team, Leo Metzger signed to play Division 1 golf at UC Davis starting next fall. Eloise McGibben signed to play volleyball at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, and Caitlyn Sparks signed to play soccer at Point Loma. Rounding out the group, Blake Behrens signed to sail for Brown.
Cole Schoenwetter is a standout pitcher at San Marcos and around the country. He is a dedicated athlete who wants to pitch against the best of the best.
“I’m really excited to go to a new place that wins, because I really like to win,” said Cole. “I’m also excited for the better competition I’m gonna go up against, and I think I’m ready to test myself. I’m glad to meet some new teammates, and people in college.”
His teammate Owen Estabrook is also excited to start his college career at Ivy League Columbia University.
“I’m looking forward to playing some baseball at the next level, and going somewhere new is pretty cool to learn, and be a part of a bigger culture, and team,” said Owen. “I am also looking forward to having more independence.”
In High school sports our student athletes have faced solid competition, but in college the level of play will be significantly higher.
“In college I’m really looking forward to playing volleyball at the next level,” said Eloise McGiben. “Being surrounded by such amazing athletes is going to be such a fun experience, and I can’t wait.”
Our student athletes are excited to continue to grow in their sport, and being exposed to the best players is a fantastic way to accomplish that. They will be able to learn from both teammates and opponents to take their games to the next level. However, their college experience won’t only be focused on athletics.
“College is a very new experience that I am looking forward to. I’m definitely going to have to adjust to the new weather. Meeting new people is also going to be cool, and being able to be away from my parents will be cool to experience,” said Blake Behrens. “But the one thing I’m really excited about is sailing in college!”
San Marcos has a tradition of producing successful athletes, and the class of 2023 is no different. These students will continue to grow academically, athletically, and as people in their time attending some of the best universities in the United States.
