FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

November 9, 2023

Laguna Beach High School student-athletes sign letters of intent, commit to collegiate athletics

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – Eight Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) student-athletes participated in National Signing Day on Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 8), officially committing to an NCAA Division I or Division II school that has offered them a scholarship to play for a sports team. 

The following students took part in a ceremonial signing, attended by their peers, family, and school staff, symbolizing the conclusion of the recruitment process and their commitment to playing their sport in college: 

• Ava Knepper, Water Polo, University of Southern California
• Cade Anderton, Water Polo, Pepperdine University
• Emerson Hensley, Water Polo, Brown University
• Jessica MacCallum, Tennis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
• Kate Parker, Equestrian, Auburn University
• Ryner Swanson, Football, Brigham Young University 
• Sam Burchi, Baseball, Lewis and Clark University
• Tyler Swensen, Water Polo, Santa Clara University

“Student-athletes need athletic, academic, and personal skills to succeed in both their sports and in the classroom. On signing day, our athletic department wants athletes to reflect on their journey and thank the people who helped them along the way, especially their families and coaches,” said Laguna Beach Unified School District Athletics Administrator Denise Selbe, Ed.D. She continued, “They are instrumental in supporting these students and inspiring them to develop the discipline and work ethic they need to succeed in collegiate athletics and beyond.”

The National Letter of Intent is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NLI member institution. Started in 1964 with seven conferences and eight independent institutions, the NLI program now includes 652 Division I and Division II participating institutions.

“This is a profound day for student-athletes, parents, coaches, and the entire LBHS community,” said LBHS Principal Jason Allemann, Ed.D. “As a parent of collegiate athletes, I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of our athletes and their families,” he concluded.

More than 48,000 prospective student-athletes sign NLIs to attend NCAA Division I or II institutions each year. View photos from the event.

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