LYNN — Not done yet.
Thursday at Lynn Classical High, eight student-athletes enjoyed Signing Day and signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college.
“It’s a great day and a great event. I know we’ve done this in the past, sporadically, but I think this is something that is sustainable. It’s a great way to celebrate the kids and it kicks off all the senior activities. It’s the first of many senior celebrations,” said first-year Athletic Director Josh Mower. “It’s great to have the coaches, families, teachers, and teammates come in and celebrate the athletes. I also think it inspires the younger kids who are here to look and say, ‘I can’t wait until I have my Singing Day.’”
Christian Figueroa, a star pitcher for the Rams this spring, will continue playing baseball at Wentworth Institute of Technology. In addition to fighting for a starting spot, he said he’s looking forward to WIT’s construction management program.
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity. I’ve been working very hard over the years to get to this point, and I’m just really thankful and grateful to be able to play,” Figueroa said. “The location – and specifically the construction management program – is one of the best around. The team, the coaches, the atmosphere, everything about it I loved. It really felt like home.”
Two Rams are off to Salem State. Santos Alvarez will be playing soccer in the fall to help boost Salem State after a 6-8-6 season. Girls basketball star Keisha Perez was known for her scoring ability at Classical, and looks to bring the same drive to the Vikings’ backcourt.
The girls’ volleyball team, which finished another successful season with an 18-4 record, will see two of its players continue at the next level in Mia Pento (Rivier University) and Amanda Hughes (Bryn Mawr College).
“I’m really excited,” Pento said. “I’m mainly excited to meet new people and be prepared coming into the school year. I’m excited for a new setting and competitive environment.
“My teammates mean everything to me and that’s why they’re here with me today – to support me during my signing,” Pento added. “Coach (Chris) LeBlanc has been the most important part in all of this. He’s helped me with everything, from the recruiting process to helping me make a highlight reel. He’s been so helpful and I couldn’t be more grateful for him.”
Hughes is excited to arrive on campus, but said she’s going to miss the support of her high school teammates.
“I’m going to miss the support from the team and the coaches. We had a really special group of girls from my freshman year to now, we all grew together, and I’m going to really miss them,” she said. “I can’t wait to take the next step. I’m excited to get into the weight room and get more competitive reps. I’m really excited and cannot wait.”
LeBlanc, who was in attendance, spoke highly of Pento and Hughes.
“These two girls are so huge and instrumental to the success of our program. They’re two of the foundational pieces that helped us establish this program,” LeBlanc said. “They were like the first group of kids to really put in the extra work during the summer. They were playing club volleyball, doing the extra things, going to the summer workouts. They started the culture and I think now it’s here to stay, and we as a program owe them a debt of gratitude for the culture they helped bring here.”
Nevaeh Eth, a three-sport athlete, has excelled both academically and in athletics. As a key member of the softball team, Eth will bring her bat and glove to Simmons University.
Eth, who had teammates and coaches from her volleyball, basketball, and softball teams in attendance, said it “meant a lot.
“Playing three sports and having all of my coaches and teammates here to support me means everything. I’m grateful to have them,” she said. “I’m really excited to play at the next level for Simmons. It’s a great program, and I’m ready to go to the City of Boston and compete at the next level.”
Classical football was represented as Yonari Ruiz is headed to Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Ruiz has played an important role for the Rams, and his versatility should make him a valuable asset to the Panthers.
Davonte Taggart, who was presented with the Seaforth Scholarship of $1,000, will be attending Lamar University.
