On February 3, 2021, 10 additional Plano West student athletes signed with universities to continue their athletic careers at the next level. Madaline Friedman, Leilani Hernandez, Devin Patton, Elyssa Ducret, Arjun Kersten, Estefania Hernandez Rivera, Antonio Romero, Jesse Velez, Michelle Ogbemudia, and Jacob Stephens officially signed with a variety of collegiate teams in Texas and elsewhere in the United States.

Leilani Hernandez, a wrestler on the Plano West Wrestling team, officially signed with Texas Wesleyan University this past month.   “I ended up ultimately choosing Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, with all the other great School options and offers none were as good as this,” Hernandez said. “Basically a full ride. That was the ultimate specific factor that made me choose them.”   When asked why she chose to attend...

Earlier this spring, Michelle Ogbemudia signed with Stephen F Austin state university to continue her career in track and field. Ogbemudia's high school career concluded with a fifth place placement in the state Track meet for shot put in Austin, TX on May 8th, after she won the Region 1-6A Championships for shot put. She chose Stephen F Austin for a number of reasons, athletic, academic, and social. In addition to the coaching and academics...

Antonio Romero, a swimmer on the Plano West Swim Team, officially signed with the Georgia Institute of Technology last month.    “I chose Georgia Institute of Technology because they are extremely competitive in both academics and athletics,” Romero said. “In addition, the coaches, team, and school were extremely supportive as the pandemic was worsening in our country.”   When asked why he decided to attend Georgia Tech,...

Devin Patton, a wrestler on the Plano West Wrestling team, officially signed with Texas Wesleyan University this past month.   “I chose to go to Texas Wesleyan University because they offered me a full ride, and it was close to home,” Patton said. “I am also close with the coach, and already know the girl on the team.”   Texas Wesleyan was her final choice for college both because of the wrestling program, and because...

Football is one of the most popular high school sports, and the players have several goals in mind; one common one? Getting recruited to a college football team. Senior and football player Jacob Stephens had this goal fulfilled and was recruited to Trinity Valley Community College.    “With Covid-19 making a big impact on my recruiting,” Stephens said. “Trinity Valley CC has given me a chance to continue playing the sport I love...

For most high school athletes, there is one common goal: play your best and hardest and as a result, get recruited to a college. For senior soccer player Maddie Friedmann, that dream was realized with her offer from Nicholls State, and it being the perfect fit.    “I feel that I can grow tremendously at Nicholls State as a person and a player,” Friedmann said. “Nicholls State will give me time, opportunity, and tools to recover from...

Arjun Kersten, a tennis player on the West tennis team, officially signed with United States Air Force Academy this past month on Feb. 3. “I will be attending the United States Air Force Academy,” Kersten said. “I chose this school because it is one of the most prestigious universities globally, both in academics and athletics.” Although Kersten is dedicated to playing tennis, he is also committed to have a career in the military. “Outside...

Elyssa Ducret, a tennis player on the West tennis team, officially signed with the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) this past month on Feb. 3. “UTD is a continuation of the qualities, standards and personal qualities I have here at Plano West,” Ducret said. “These qualities lead to further success for the team and individuals.” When asked why she decided to attend UTD out of all the places she could have gone, Ducret confidently shares...

Estefania Hernandez Rivera, a tennis player on the West tennis team, officially signed with Grand Valley State University this past month on Feb. 3. “The school shows that it cares for its student athletes,” Rivera said. “I wanted a change and the coach showed that she believed in me.” Rivera originally showed interest in playing tennis after watching her older sister play the sport, and followed in the footsteps of the sister she admired. “My...

Although there have been slight changes due to the recent pandemic, the robotics club still meets to build, design, and bring metallic pieces to life.   “We have a mix of members meeting remotely and in-person,” senior Madeleine Lee said. “It would be kind of hard to build a physical robot virtually.”   Lee works completely remotely and sees the difficulties that Robotics faces from an at-home experience.    “I...

Colman Burks and Connor MacLeod auditioned and made their way into the New York Orchestra (NYO) Jazz ensemble. This prestigious ensemble group performs annually at Carnegie Hall and tours. Due to COVID restrictions this year, instead of touring, they are recording an album. “In the past, the band has toured Asia and Europe, getting to play at world-class venues after finishing their week-long residence at New York's Purchase College. Unfortunately,...