As of Friday, February 10 at three o’clock in the afternoon, four Pitman seniors made their childhood dreams come true. Dave Walls, the school’s athletic trainer, was there to welcome the supporters of these students. The students not only worked extremely hard to improve their selves in the sport in which they play, but they were excellent students as well. They are some of the few that have achieved their goals this year.
Vickie Rouse, a 5’11 middle blocker, committed to UC Merced. She was overwhelmed with happiness as her mom, dad, best friend, and many others were there to support her when she signed her letter of commitment. She was a three-year varsity player on the school’s volleyball team, and has played on competitive travel teams throughout her high school career. Her competitive travel team along with her excellence during her school season helped her talents be recognized by the Merced coaches. They watched her with delight against the most competitive school match, against Golden Valley, and were instantly interested in pursuing her. With all the motivation she had, she was able to catch the eyes of college coaches and continue to excel in the sport she loves.
Marissa Marable, a four-year varsity forward, committed to Sonoma State to play soccer next season. She was beaming with excitement to share this once in a lifetime moment with her family, soccer team, and basketball team. She also had the opportunity to share this experience with some teammates that she plays with on her travel team. She filled her busy high school years with club soccer, clubs, and academic activities that helped her excel and let her play beyond her high school career. Her college recognized her through her playing time on her travel team. She played on the Modesto Ajax, a team ranked number five in Northern California. Her hard work and dedication was shared with a celebration of a life changing experience.
A.J. Derr, a three-year varsity catcher, committed to Point Loma University. He has put in a large amount of work to not only stay active and in shape to play baseball, but football as well. His father, a teacher and football coach, helped him with a vast amount of workouts and skill training after school many days a week. Over summer he played for Nor Cal Valley, which helped him improve his talents. He was pursued by Point Loma with his level of play among his teammates, along with the help of Coach Stangle. He is ecstatic to start a new life, and grow as a person. His teammates were happy to share this moment with him.
Steven Kha, a three-year varsity catcher as well, committed to Corban University. He celebrated this surreal moment with his mother, father, as well as his baseball team. He spent his summers playing on NorCal, and participated in a Junior Olympics, the Rawlings NorCal World Series, and an All- Star game. He was scouted in Oregon when playing in a tournament for his team. As class president he was committed to striving and achieving the best he possibly could, his family was thrilled and was overwhelmed with happiness to watcher her son grow.
Although all four of these soon to be college athletes were involved with Pitman’s athletic program, they were recognized through extracurricular teams. Present day high school athletes usually need to participate in other teams not only in order compete in their school’s athletic program, but also compete for a college position in the sport they love. It is a competitive dream, that once reached is an unbelievable feeling of success and exhilaration.
