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

Jenna Jones-

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

“I’ll be playing volleyball on the D3 level at California Lutheran University.”

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

“I decided on California Lutheran because not only were the people and environment welcoming but I want to go the pre-med route so a D3 fit that perspective because I can play the sport I love but not be too stressed about VB.”

Did you have any other offers?
“Yeah, I had about 4 D1 offers and quite a bit D2 offers.”

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?

“My skills definitely helped me stand out but it wasn’t only that. Some other things were being coachable, putting in the effort for everything and being a leader on the court also helped significantly.”

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

“Being on a team that will become my family and we’ll all have each other’s backs.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

“It was crazy. Before every out of state tournament I was emailing as many coaches as possible. I got denied many times by some schools but I didn’t let that deter me. I called coaches and asked a lot of questions over the phone to get a feel on how I would fit.”

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

“I’m actually going on an academic just because a D3 doesn’t offer athletic but I had some athletic offers. It was nice to know that schools thought you were good enough to be on their team and offer you the money.”

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?

“Don’t let anything think you’re not D1 worthy. Besides D1 isn’t the only division out there. Sure it feels good to tell everyone that you play D1, but any opportunity you get to play something you love at whatever division go for it. And also if going D1 is your dream, there’s nothing holding you back – just put in the hard work and never give up no matter what life throws at you and you’ll be able to achieve your goals and dreams.”

Kristian Bielicki-

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

“I’ll be attending Point Loma Nazarene, it is D2. I’ll be playing soccer.”

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

“It was a mix between the campus which is right on the ocean, and the academics.”

Did you have any other offers?

“I had a few other offers I was talking to on various levels.”

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?

“My grades were really good so that means they didn’t have to spend extra money on me for sports.”

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

“In College you get treated pretty much like a professional player, so being able to experience that for four years will be amazing.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

“It was very hectic because I started really late; I was honestly barely able to sneak into the door for recruiting.”

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

“I’m super excited because the hard work has finally been 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?

“I would say you shouldn’t focus on the level. I would say focus on trying to find a college you feel comfortable with.”

Lauren Denning-

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

“I am going to be attending Coastal Carolina University to play D1 soccer.”

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

“I picked Coastal because of the location. It’s right on Myrtle Beach, and when I visited the college, it felt like home. The athletics at CCU are great and they really take care of their athletes.”

Did you have any other offers?

“Yes, I had other offers but they were mostly for schools on the west coast and I wanted to go east.”

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?

“I think that the club I play for and the league I play for really helped me stand out. I play for the DA and it’s very competitive and gets attention from a lot of good college coaches. I also am a very technical player and fast player which is something that colleges want.”

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

“I am really looking forward to moving to South Carolina and living near the beach and play soccer while doing so which has always been a dream of mine!”

What was the recruiting process like for you?
“The recruiting process was long and stressful and I’m glad it’s over!”

How would you describe your emotions in regard to earning an athletic scholarship?
“I would say I’m very happy and proud of myself for earning a big athletic scholarship. Hard work really pays 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?

“My advice is to not give up on your dreams and just work hard and stay positive. There were plenty of times where I was discouraged, but I just used it to fuel me to work harder.”

Oscar Mattox-

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

“Arizona Christian University. It is a NAIA school.”

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

“I’m looking forward to making new friends with my teammates and having new coaches to play for.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?
“It was really simple. I just went to a camp they were hosting and they called me and offered me shortly after.”

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

“I was excited to earn a scholarship. It was getting late and I wasn’t sure where I was going to play next year.”

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?

“I’d say that there’s a place to play for any athletes. As long as they put in the work and apply themselves well, they can find somewhere to play in college.”

Jack Seeley-

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

“Ottawa University of Arizona for football and it is NAIA, a great medical school.

I had four different offers.”

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?

“My speed, focus, and my heart made me stand out because I am not the biggest but I

won’t quit until my job is done.”

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

“I look forward to having a really good experience and working hard at the next level.”

What was the recruiting process like for you?

“The recruiting process was the coach came to my house we talked; he left and I signed at my dad’s office.”

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

“My emotions were crazy because I realized I finally made my dreams come true – plus my parents and I immediately thanked God.”

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?

“To the athlete that don’t think they are good enough, they need to just keep their heads up and grind, you got this, do your best and God will show up and just keep the work going.”

Justin Espinoza-

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

“Gateway community college- junior college. Baseball.”

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

“I chose this college because of the coaching staff and how great of a program they have.”

Did you have any other offers?

“I had multiple other offers from out of state colleges.”

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?

“My ability to put out consistent solid outings. The ability to play at a high level with competitive people. I used a lot of online resources as well as emailing people letting them know when I’ll be playing and hope they show up, and if they did I would talk to them to peak their interest.”

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

“It was kind of overwhelming to hear that I got a full ride for academics and get to play the sport I love.”

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?

“I’d say stay with it, work hard and there’s plenty of other ways to make it in baseball and not go to a D1 school. Plenty of people do – just don’t give up on your dream never stop working or believing.”

Diego Rodriguez

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

“I am attending Austin College and it is a NCAA D3 school. I am fortunate to be able to play soccer for them.”

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

“I loved the idea of a small college and I wanted to pursue an Engineering/physics major. Austin College seemed like a very good fit academically and athletically.”

Did you have any other offers?

‘I had offers from Alderson Broaddus, Berea College, and a few NAIA schools.”

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?

“I think one thing that makes me stand out on the field is my passion for the game. I always grew up having a love for soccer, and I like to always play the best I possibly can and leave everything out on the field.”

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

What was the recruiting process like for you?

“I am excited to be presented with the challenge of adapting to Austin College’s style of play and just excited to start the season. I am eager to start training, playing, and winning some games with Austin College.”

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

“I can’t put into words how happy I am to have this opportunity because it feels like all those extra hours on the field, all those tournaments on Saturdays and all those times of frustration have finally been worth it. I am excited to say that I can continue to do what I love at the collegiate level.”

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?

“I believe that if you want something, you have to get it. I would tell student athletes that although a dream may seem out of reach, or too big, the only person that can give you that dream is you. Work hard and have a positive mindset. Enjoy the ride because sometimes it’s about the journey and not the outcome.”