Gianna Ryan – Dance – University of South Carolina

Gianna Ryan will continue her academic and athletic career as a member of the Carolina Dance Team at the University of South Carolina. Ryan said she knew it was the right fit the moment she stepped on campus.

“I chose South Carolina because the moment I stepped on campus, it just felt so fitting for me,” Ryan said. “The Carolina Dance team has always been a dream for me, so I knew that’s what I wanted to keep working for.”

Ryan expressed appreciation for those who supported her throughout her journey. “I want to thank my teachers, coaches, family, and friends because I truly would not be here without any of them,” she said. “I’m sad to be leaving Westside soon, but I’m excited for this next chapter.”

Carson Forbes – Bowling – Iowa Western Community College

Carson Forbes will continue his academic and athletic career competing in bowling at Iowa Western Community College. Forbes said the school stood out to him because of its location and overall environment.

“I chose Iowa Western because of its proximity and I like the school,” Forbes said.

Forbes also credited key supporters in his journey. “I’d like to thank coaches Keith and Troy for making this possible,” he said.

Corey Pecha – Bowling – Briar Cliff University

Corey Pecha will continue his academic and athletic career competing in bowling at Briar Cliff University. Pecha said the school’s environment and familiarity made it the right choice.

“I chose Briar Cliff because it was close to home and it felt the most like Westside,” Pecha said. “It’s a very welcoming campus.”

Pecha also expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way. “I want to thank Coach Keith, my parents, and my friends for pushing me to be the absolute best that I can be,” he said.

Ben Everroad – Baseball – Marshalltown Community College

Ben Everroad will continue his academic and athletic career playing baseball at Marshalltown Community College. Everroad said the program stood out as the right place to grow as a player.

“I chose Marshalltown because it seemed like a great place for me to develop my career,” Everroad said.

Everroad also thanked those who supported him throughout his journey. “I would like to thank my coaches, my family, all my teammates, and my friends for helping me along the way,” he said.

Olivia Harris – Swimming – University of Nebraska Kearney

Olivia Harris will continue her academic and athletic career competing in swimming at University of Nebraska Kearney. Harris said the team culture made it the perfect fit.

“I decided to swim at UNK because the swimmers are so welcoming and kind,” Harris said. “The team environment is exactly what I was looking for.”

Harris also expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her journey. “I want to thank my parents for always being there for me, my club coaches who helped me year-round, and my high school coaches, Coach Eric and Coach Andy, along with the entire girls team for making this an amazing four years,” she said. “Lastly, I want to thank Coach Kyle at UNK for giving me this opportunity. I’m so excited to start this new chapter—go Lopers.”

Macy Barber – Wrestling – Iowa Lakes Community College

Macy Barber will continue her academic and athletic career competing in wrestling at Iowa Lakes Community College. Barber said the school stood out for offering a unique combination that fit her goals.

“I chose Iowa Lakes because they had something really different that I hadn’t seen before,” Barber said. “Finding a school that has both wrestling and cosmetology was really special and hard to do, and I found it.”

Barber also reflected on her journey and thanked those who supported her along the way. “My journey was really long—I talked to a lot of schools,” she said. “Thank you to all my coaches and teammates. This was really fun.”

Asahn Bristol – Soccer – Midland University

Asahn Bristol will continue his academic and athletic career playing soccer at Midland University. Bristol said the program offers strong opportunities for growth.

“I chose Midland University because I see a lot of improvement and opportunity for me to improve,” Bristol said.

Bristol also thanked those who supported him throughout his journey. “I want to thank my family, especially my mom—I couldn’t be where I am without her,” he said. “I’d also like to thank my coaches and my teammates for helping me improve and work through challenges.”