On Wednesday November 8th, student athletes around the country signed letters of intent, making the official commitment to play their sport at the collegiate level. For the first time in North Creek history, a total of nine athletes made commitments to pursue their academic and athletic future, all of whom were women.
At 7:30am, despite the piercing early morning temperature, the main gym at North Creek was bustling with excitement and filled with attendees eager to watch their loved ones sign on to take the next steps in their athletic careers. The athletes from the class of 2024 all smiled brightly in celebration of their achievements both in the classroom and out on the court, field, or pool.
Athletes represented in the celebration included:
Elisa Heikkala – Volleyball at California State Bakersfield
Quincy Moran – Volleyball at Eastern Washington University
Madyn Cervellera – Volleyball at California Polytechnic Humboldt
Simone Grieser – Volleyball at Wichita State University
Mariyah Young – Volleyball at Norfolk State University
Sophie Hanson – Soccer at Seattle University
Kayla Jacobsen – Soccer at Western Oregon University
Kaila Nguyen – Swim and Dive at University of San Diego
Lauren Simicich – Track and Field at Western Washington University
The overwhelming support for these girls was palpable in the atmosphere of the gym on Wednesday morning. The North Creek community truly shows respect and admiration for female athletes, in a climate where female athletes aren’t as widely recognized for their accomplishments and athleticism. “Our volleyball team is a very big part of the school, so I feel like a lot of people put passion into that,” said senior setter and Wichita State commit Simone Grieser.
Director Melton Jefferson maintains an athletics program at North Creek which emphases support and respect for his athletes, as well as an understanding that being embraced by their school community impacts the athlete’s athletic and personal development in the best way possible. “You represent North Creek. I support you as you do this, and the very best that you do is what we want,” said Jefferson, referring to how he uplifts the female athletes in his program.
Grieser goes on to contest the importance of support for female sporting events, “I love the tournament atmosphere, the games atmosphere, I love playing and having people watch, and having that adrenaline rush of this means something, people want to be here to watch the team play. I just love that feeling,” said Grieser, describing the effects a packed gym full of spectators has on her game.
Often, local youth volleyball players attend the varsity matches, watching in anticipation of their own opportunity to one day play on the high school team. Jefferson encourages his athletes of all sports to support youth programs in the community.
“I think when the community comes out, girls thrive. Younger girls will see that.”
— Melton Jefferson, Athletic Director
Ultimately, all nine North Creek students who made commitments to continue playing their sport at the next level intend to combine hard work and skill to gain recognition for their participation in women’s athletics. Support for female athletes of all sports is crucial for their personal development as well as their athletic ability. The North Creek community truly rallies around our female athletes to continue to recognize their contributions to the school.
