National Letter of Intent Signing

Several of our student athletes at Mountain Ridge have taken their next step into their sport careers and into college by signing letters of intent. Here’s what their interpretation of the experience was like.

Zach Martinez

What school are you attending and what level is it (D1, D2, etc.)? What sport will you be playing?

Martinez: “I’m attending the University of Arizona; It is D1 and I will be playing baseball.”

What made you pick the college you will be attending?

Martinez: “There were many things that influenced my decision to commit to U of A but the biggest ones were, the coaching staff, the team’s history, the facilities, and considering that both my parents attended.”

Did you have any other offers?

Martinez: “I had two other D1 offers before I committed.”

What do you think made you stand out to college coaches? Maybe something that other players at your skill level don’t do/don’t have?

Martinez: “I think I stuck out to the coaches with my attitude and my effort.”

What are you looking forward to most as you get ready to play a college sport?

Martinez: “I’m looking forward to being able to compete for a spot on the team and making it to Omaha.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

Martinez: “The recruiting process was pretty stressful having to be talking to different coaches all the time over the phone, but I loved being able to see all the different campuses.

How would you describe your emotions in regard to earning an athletic scholarship?

Martinez: “The emotions that you get when receiving a scholarship are very special because all the work you put in has started to pay off.”

What would you say to athletes out there who are starting to give up on their dreams of getting a scholarship because they know they aren’t a Division 1 player?

Martinez: “I would say that it’s never too late and that if you put in enough work then you can reach your goals.”

Savannah Glimpse

What school are you attending and what level is it (D1, D2, etc.)?  What sport will you be playing?

Glimpse: “I am attending Case Western Reserve University. It is D3 and I will be playing basketball.”

What made you pick the college you will be attending to?

Glimpse: “I chose this school because it gave me the opportunity to play basketball, it has good academics, I like the city of Cleveland, and I like the coach.”

 Did you have any other offers?

Glimpse: “There were many other schools I looked at.”

What are you looking forward to most as you get ready to play a college sport?

Glimpse: “What I look forward to most when it comes to playing a college sport is getting to be a part of a team for the next four years. I am excited to build relationships with a team full of girls along with being able to travel a lot to different places.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

Glimpse: “The recruiting process was very stressful for me. There is a lot more work that is done than most expect. I emailed and talked to many, many college coaches. It was very difficult narrowing down my options. “

Tate Childers

What school are you attending and what level is it (D1, D2, etc.)? What sport will you be playing?

Childers: “Harding University, D2, Baseball”

What made you pick the college you will be attending to?

Childers: “I have a lot of family near the college and it has my intended Major.”

Did you have any other offers?

Childers: “No”

What do you think made you stand out to college coaches…maybe something that other players at your skill level don’t do/don’t have?

Childers: “I’m really athletic all around, and many players in AZ have a higher baseball IQ than players from the south/Midwest.”

What are you looking forward to most as you get ready to play a college sport?

Childers: “I’m looking forward to the grind and having 35 guys that are basically my family.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

Childers: “It was really humbling because I wasn’t getting the looks and interest that I thought I would get and deserved, but in the end, Harding gave me an opportunity and I’m thankful for that.”

How would you describe your emotions in regard to earning an athletic scholarship?

Childers: “It was truly a blessing and it showed that my hard work for years had paid off.”

What would you say to athletes out there who are starting to give up on their dreams of getting a scholarship because they know they aren’t a Division 1 player?

Childers: “I would have to say that there is a place for everyone to play in college. There’s hundreds of universities out there that need 35 or more players on their team. And most coaches look for much more than a kid’s talent.”

Tiffany Williams

What school are you attending and what level is it (D1, D2, etc.)? What sport will you be playing?

Williams: “I am attending Oklahoma Baptist University. I will be attending a Division 2 school and I will be playing softball.”

What made you pick the college you will be attending to?

Williams: “After a lot of prayer, I felt like God was really leading me there. I had confidence that God was telling me that this school was made for me. When I visited campus I felt at home as well.”

Did you have any other offers?

Williams: “I had an offer to Eastern Nazarene College, San Diego College, Arizona Christian University, and Park University.”

What do you think made you stand out to college coaches? Maybe something that other players at your skill level don’t do/don’t have?

Williams: “I really worked on my attitude above all. Having a coachable attitude and a never give up mentality I think stands out to coaches a lot.”

What are you looking forward to most as you get ready to play a college sport?

Williams: “I’m looking forward to meeting all my teammates and getting to work with girls who love the game as much as I do. I also am excited to step out onto my home field to play for the first time. I am excited to fulfill the dreams I had as a 7-year old and play at the next level.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

Williams: “My recruiting process was very difficult. I spent many hours emailing and putting together my skills video. I called many coaches and traveled across the country to find my dream school.”

How would you describe your emotions in regard to earning an athletic scholarship?

Williams: “I was incredibly excited and relieved. I have put so many hours into my sport, so finally getting what I’ve been working for felt like a huge weight was lifted of my shoulders. I also felt blessed to know that God answered my prayers.”

What would you say to athletes out there who are starting to give up on their dreams of getting a scholarship because they know they aren’t a Division 1 player?

Williams: “If you really love the game and have the determination to play in college, you can. There are so many quality schools out there that are not Division 1 or even Division 2. It’s all about the best fit for you as a student athlete. Don’t give up and keep putting in the necessary work because it will pay off.”

Briana Bernand

What school are you attending and what level is it (D1, D2, etc.)? What sport will you be playing?

Bernand: “I will be attending GCC to play volleyball”

What made you pick the college you will be attending to?

Bernand: “I picked this college because I wanted to stay close to home and still be in Arizona. I also love the coach. I played for her one other time during club volleyball and couldn’t pass up playing for her again!”

Did you have any other offers?

Bernand: “I had other offers from out of state schools farther away and Ottawa university here in Az as well as other community colleges but felt like GCC was my home and where I wanted to be.”

What do you think made you stand out to college coaches? Maybe something that other players at your skill level don’t do/don’t have?

Bernand: “I think my positivity and energy on the court makes me stick out. As well as my athleticism, having a high vertical is very appealing for coaches. I have a good attitude and unbeatable consistency! I’m always a team player and I’m always there supporting my teammates!”

What are you looking forward to most as you get ready to play a college sport?

Bernand: “I’m looking forward to the high level that I will be competing in. GCC is known to be a very good and competitive college. I’m excited to meet and play with new girls and to be pushed harder than I ever have been”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

Bernand: “It was very emotional in the recruiting process. Especially when earning this full scholarship I felt it was a really big deal for me and my family. It was such a big accomplishment and I felt like all my hard work and training over many years had prepared me for this! I felt like it all payed off and it was always a goal to play in college so the fact that I get the opportunity is amazing and I’m very grateful”

What would you say to athletes out there who are starting to give up on their dreams of getting a scholarship because they know they aren’t a Division 1 player?

Bernand: “I would say to all those players that a moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory and to never give up when it’s hard because it will all pay off in the future! It also doesn’t matter what division you are playing in. There is a spot for everyone and as long as you put the work in you will succeed. Nothing good comes easy! Just prove everyone wrong!”

Kylee McBride

What school are you attending and what level is it (D1, D2, etc.)?What sport will you be playing?

McBride: “I’m attending Lourdes University in Ohio. It’s a NAIA school. I will be playing volleyball.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

McBride: “The recruiting process was very stressful! But well worth the time and effort! The hardest part was finding a school that was truly interested in me and wasn’t just sending you an automatic email that gets sent to everyone! It was extremely important that at every tournament I did my very best because you never know who is watching! Throughout club season I had my setbacks with the recruiting process, but I pushed through and I found the school that fit me the most!”

How would you describe your emotions in regard to earning an athletic scholarship?

McBride: “I was so happy and filled with joy to make my decision! I finally figured out what my next journey in life would be! Most importantly I was able to accomplish my goal of playing volleyball in college!!!”

What would you say to athletes out there who are starting to give up on their dreams of getting a scholarship because they know they aren’t a Division 1 player?

McBride: “To anyone thinking of quitting their dreams of becoming a college athlete, I would say to think of who you are and what makes you happiest! For me it’s volleyball, and I like many others almost did quit but I knew that my dream wouldn’t be accomplished if I didn’t push through my setbacks. I learned pretty early on that I wasn’t a D1 athlete. Not because I couldn’t do it, but mainly because I’m so short to play the position I desired. And sometimes that’s just how the game works. However, there are plenty of schools out there that are just as good as any D1 school! Don’t get hung up on the idea of only D1 schools are good, that is not true!! Find the school that fits you best and make sure no matter what division they are, that the school is at the caliber that you desire!”

Emily Luberto

What school are you attending and what level is it (D1, D2, etc.)? What sport will you be playing?

Luberto: “I’m going to Northern Arizona University and it is D1. Diving.”

What made you pick the college you will be attending to?

Luberto: “I really like the facilities and the team, I just really connected. I also love Flagstaff as well.”

Did you have any other offers?

Luberto: “I was looking at University of California Berkeley, and University of Houston.”

What do you think made you stand out to college coaches…maybe something that other players at your skill level do/don’t have?

Luberto: “I would say I’m one of the top divers in the state and I qualified for nationals on all three events last year so a lot of coaches noticed that.”

What are you looking forward to most as you get ready to play a college sport?

Luberto: “I’m really excited about being able to go to school for something that I love and keep diving for four years.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

Luberto: “Coaches would reach out to me through email and we would go from there. Then we would go on trips at the beginning. It was really cool I got to tour a lot of different colleges and hang out with a bunch of different teams. “

How would you describe your emotions in regard to earning an athletic scholarship?

Luberto: “It’s really exciting and it’s a really unique opportunity because only athletes kind of get to go through this unique committing experience and I think it’s cool other people are going through the same thing.”

What would you say to athletes out there who are starting to give up on their dreams of getting a scholarship because they know they aren’t a Division 1 player?

Luberto: “I would tell them to always just do what you love and if you love your sport keeping playing it, reach out to coaches because there’s always school’s out there you can play for.”