Melyssa Jones – Rugby – Wayne State College
Melyssa Jones will continue her academic and athletic career playing rugby at Wayne State College. Jones said she fell in love with the experience during her visit, where she met her future teammates and coach.
“I chose Wayne State because at the time it was the only college I knew had a girls rugby team. I was really excited,” Jones said. “I got to meet some of the girls and I also got to meet the coach—he even came to one of my games.”
Jones credited her family for their role in her recruiting journey. “I want to give appreciation to my mom, my grandma, and both of my coaches. They were the biggest supporters throughout my whole journey,” she said.
Oliver DeMars – Golf – Doane University
Oliver DeMars will continue his golf career at Doane University. DeMars credited the coaching staff at Doane for making it possible for him to compete at the next level.
“I would like to thank coach Parsley for giving me the opportunity to play golf at the next level,” DeMars said. He also noted that his high school coaches and teammates were vital to his development. “I would also like to thank coach Hellman and coach Shroder for being there for me all four years of high school.”
Manuela Kate – Bowling – Briar Cliff University
Manuela Kate has committed to bowl for Briar Cliff University. Kate said her family, her Westside coaches, and her sister, Maila, formed a crucial support system.
“I want to thank all my family members, coaches, and of course my sibling, Maila. I love when I beat her in practices and games,” Kate said.
While she never originally planned to bowl competitively, Kate calls joining the Westside unified bowling program her “best impulsive decision.” “My first memory of bowling is with our unified program,” she said. “I think bowling is the best impulsive decision that I made in my whole high school career.”
Torrence Stovall – Swimming – Midland University
Torrence Stovall will continue his swimming career at Midland University. Stovall noted that his faith and his family were the driving forces behind his athletic journey.
“First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to do what I love at the next level,” Stovall said. “I also want to thank my family, friends, and teammates for supporting me along this way. Go Warriors!”
Megan Oberle – Swimming – Southwest Minnesota State University
Club swimmer Megan Oberle will sign to swim at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). She credited her support team for helping her navigate the challenges of competitive sports.
“I would like to thank my physical therapists and my athletic trainers for getting me through every injury mentally and physically,” Oberle said. “I also would like to thank my parents for every hour they’ve ever put into my life and my athletic abilities.”
Oberly said the atmosphere at SMSU sealed the deal. “I chose their school because I immediately felt welcomed by both the coaching staff and the swimmers, and I can’t wait to join my next home in the fall.”
Jake Jepsen – Swimming – Nebraska Wesleyan University
Swimmer Jake Jepsen will continue his career at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Despite facing several injuries, Jepsen said the support of his inner circle kept him moving forward.
“I’d like to thank my coaches first, who’ve put up with me. I’ve been pretty injury prone—I can’t really hide that,” Jepsen said. “I’d also like to thank my parents, who’ve put years of dedication into my swimming with me. I want to thank the coaching staff at Wesleyan who gave me this opportunity. Go Prairie Wolves!”
Delaney McGrane – Rowing – Kansas State University
Delaney McGrane has committed to row for Kansas State University. Transitioning to a new sport for the Big 12 program, McGrane said the team culture was the deciding factor.
“The reason I chose K-State is because of the girls who are on the team, the atmosphere, and all they had to offer,” McGrane said. “I’m super excited to try a new sport in college.”
Liam Cronican – Baseball – Northeast Community College
Liam Cronican is headed to Norfolk to play baseball for Northeast Community College. Cronican said the program’s leadership stood out during his recruitment.
“I chose Northeast because I was really impressed with the coaching staff and the program. I feel like they can really get me to where I need to be,” Cronican said. “I would like to thank my parents and all of my coaches for supporting me through this journey.”
Lucas Noll – Soccer – St. John’s University (MN)
Senior Lucas Noll has committed to play soccer at St. John’s University in Minnesota. After a lifetime dedicated to the sport, Noll said the connection with the Johnnies’ staff made the choice easy.
“I chose St. John’s because I felt like I really connected well with the coaches and the team,” Noll said.
Armani Dircio – Soccer – University of Dubuque
Westside soccer player Armani Dircio will join the University of Dubuque this fall. While soccer was a major draw, the school’s aviation program was a primary fit.
“I chose Dubuque because of their amazing aviation career program,” Dircio said. “I want to thank Coach Mike. He’s been there since I was a little kid and guided me every step.”
Evelyn Jasa – Track & Field – College of Saint Mary
Evelyn Jasa will compete in track and field for the College of Saint Mary, focusing on the pole vault. Jasa expressed gratitude for her family’s commitment to her training.
“I want to thank my parents for always taking me to Lincoln to pole vault, even when it was an hour-long drive,” Jasa said. “I also want to thank Coach Steve and Coach Preister for recruiting me since my sophomore year.”
Eli Johnson – Football – Northwest Missouri State
Wide receiver Eli Johnson is signed to play football at Northwest Missouri State. Johnson is one of four Warriors signing with the Bearcats this cycle, joining former teammates Jordan Hurst and Trevor Spady. Over two years as a starter, Johnson caught 62 passes for 945 yards and 16 touchdowns, while adding five interceptions on defense this season.
“I want to thank my family. I wouldn’t be in this spot without you,” Johnson said. “I want to thank my coaches and teammates. Go Bearcats!”
Owen James – Football – Northwest Missouri State
Warrior lineman Owen James has signed to play football at Northwest Missouri State. James was a key senior leader, contributing on both sides of the ball by blocking on the offensive line and rushing on the defensive line.
“Going to Northwest just felt right,” James said. “I really liked the town, the facilities, and the program. Then I found out my boys were coming with me and it was a done deal.”
Quinton Warren – Football – Northwest Missouri State
Westside linebacker Quinton Warren is signed to play football at Northwest Missouri State. Over three seasons as a Warrior, Warren racked up 124 tackles and recorded four interceptions during his junior season.
“I chose Northwest because of the culture and atmosphere,” Warren said. “It really felt like home and felt just like Westside, so it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Reid McIntyre – Football – Northwest Missouri State
Westside safety Reid McIntyre has signed with Northwest Missouri State. A two-year starter in the secondary, McIntyre led the defense with 176 tackles over that span along with two fumble recoveries.
“I want to thank my parents, my brother, my sister, and my grandpa for being my biggest supporters along with all my coaches,” McIntyre said.