The Class of 2020’s high school days are soon coming to an end. A majority of seniors have already decided and signed with the college/university they will be attending next year. Only a handful have been committed to play and partake in NCAA’s collegiate sports. Here is what two college recruits have to say on their experiences and of what they hope to achieve in their future years. 

Andrea Gallardo, Cross Country and Track & Field

“I have committed to the University of California Santa Cruz on April 17, 2020 for cross country along with track and field. I plan to major in Environmental Science. I started running competitively freshman year second semester when I was 16 years old. I currently train five to seven times a week, consisting of different types of runs such as tempos, easy runs, fartleks, and strength. Due to corona, I am unable to run with my current and future teammates. With gyms and tracks closed, I am forced to do outside runs every day. I train every day regardless of it being mentally or physically.

 I look forward to training with my future teammates and getting to know the facilities of my new home, UCSC, when quarantine is lifted. I am excited to continue my running career and improve my times. I have always dreamed of a championship. I am certain I will have the opportunity to make an impact in UCSC and be a part of a team that wants to obtain a championship as bad as I do.

High school has taught me that there will be moments of doubt and self discovery. However, that is the way it is supposed to be. A runner’s career is like a multimodal distribution full of peaks and troughs. We must enjoy those moments of peaks and learn from the troughs. I will miss competing for city finals, the continuous self-discovery and my teammates that have always supported me.”

Mae Canete, Tennis

“I have committed to play D2 tennis for the University of Central Oklahoma. I am majoring in psychology. I started playing when I was 4 years old. I was not expecting to be recruited. However, I was contacted by a recruiting agency, NCSA, who told me I had a good shot at getting a scholarship playing competitively for a four-year. I am very grateful for the opportunities it presented me.  

I currently practice four to five times a week on the tennis court. Thankfully, the lockdown is loosening up now and the courts are now open. Even though it can get really crowded, I am able to properly practice again. 

I am looking forward to moving to Oklahoma and beginning a new chapter of my life. I am excited to contribute myself to a team who has the same common goals as I do. My goal is to be an All-American. During the fall, I hope to grow and discover new things all on my own. 

I will definitely miss high school and being part of the team. I will miss interacting with all the different people of different backgrounds on and off the courts of Venice. I’m sure that I will be able to look back and think of all the happy and exciting memories that I have made and accomplished.”