Nine Lakota West Student-Athletes Sign at Winter Signing Ceremony (Photos)
Photo by Jenny Walters Photography
Lakota West Athletic Department hosted a winter national letter of intent signing day on the first day of the NCAA winter signing period (football, soccer, & water polo) February 7th, 2018. The Firebirds boasted nine student-athletes signing with their respective schools. In addition to the 10 students (link to story) who signed this fall and one early football signing (link to story), Lakota West has had a total of 20 student-athletes sign on to play collegiate athletics this school year. The third and final “regular” signing period for all sports will occur on April 11th, 2017.
Links to media coverage:
Journal-News GMC Football Signing Day Coverage
Enquirer Signing Day Photo Gallery
Enquirer GMC Football Signing Day Coverage
A VERY special thanks to Jenny Walters for her professional photography at the event. Link to Photos
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Adrianna Brewer-Soccer– University of Toledo
Adrianna Brewer is a three year varsity starter at Lakota West. The goalkeeper is a two time 1st team All-GMC recipient. She’s recorded 10.5 shutouts in 38 games played during her career. Her senior season she only allowed 12 goals in 15 games with 67 saves. “The anchor of the team, Adrianna is one of the best goal keepers in the state. She brought her leadership on to the field by her work ethic, her drive to always be better, and the big time saves every game. Her presence will be greatly missed next year but she will be a great addition to Toledo University’s program,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Brigit Reder
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Desiree Grubbs-Soccer-Miami University
With a team leading six goals her senior season, Desiree Grubbs led the Firebirds (9-3-6) to their best season since 2010. The four year varsity starter was also named 1st team All-GMC in 2018. “Desiree’s vision and playmaking ability will carry her into a very successful tenure at Miami. She understands sacrifice, hard work, and personal responsibility for her game, setting her up for a bright career. Desiree has been a joy to have as a member of this program and we are looking forward to following her collegiate career,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Brigit Reder
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Samantha Hausser-Soccer– University of Dayton
Sam Hausser earned a varsity letter her freshman season at Lakota West before playing for Cincinnati United Premier and Cincinnati Development Academy full-time starting her junior year. Her club team is a 4-time state champion and national championship qualifier. “Sam brings a presence with her wherever she goes. Both on and off the field she brings a passion and energy, that raises the level of those around her. Both on the field and in the classroom, she has an incredibly high standard, which will ensure she is a success in college and beyond,” said Cincinnati Development Academy Coach David Robertson.
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Hannah Planck-Soccer– Anderson University
Hannah Planck earned a varsity letter for the Firebirds her sophomore season before she started playing for Cincinnati United fulltime. Her club team is ranked 7th in the state and has received a bid to the US Youth Soccer National Tournament. “Hannah is a hard-working and passionate player who possesses a very high soccer IQ. Hannah sees the game on a level that is unmatched by many players in her position and at any level. Hannah is a natural leader who makes everyone around her better. We at Cincinnati United Soccer Club are ecstatic to see HP play at the next level and make a huge difference for the Anderson University soccer program,” said Cincinnati United Premier Coach Dan Brady
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Linden Eberle-Soccer– Wright State University
Linden Eberle was voted the Greater Miami Conference 2017 Player of the Year. In addition, he was named 1st team All-State, United Soccer Coaches High School All-American and nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year. A 4-year varsity starter, he scored a school record 62 goals in his career. “I have had the pleasure to witness Linden as he transformed from a good high school soccer player to one of the best players in the state of Ohio. He is a player who leads by example, and he pushes his teammates to excel by exemplifying the attributes he expects from others. He pushes everyone to be better,” said Lakota West Head Soccer Coach Rick Cooper.
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Jordan Harris–Football-Wilmington College
Jordan Harris established himself as one of the top targeted Firebird receivers his senior season. The 5’10”, 160lb WR had 23 receptions for 227 yards and one TD for the Firebirds in 2017. “Jordan has worked so hard for this opportunity and I couldn’t be happier for this young man. Wilmington will love his work ethic and commitment he brings as a teammate. He will do whatever is asked of him and will always give his best,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
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Christopher Johnson-Football-University of Findlay
Chris Johnson recorded 32 tackles and one interception his senior season. The 5’9”, 170lb DB also returned two kickoffs for an average of 35 yards. “Findlay is getting a smart, athletic player who has great instincts. He has worked hard as both a student/athlete and these traits are what attracted Findlay and will allow him to succeed at the next level. His best football lies in front of him.,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
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Xavier Peters –Football– Florida State University
Xavier Peters led the Firebird defense with 78 total tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble return. The 6’4”, 220 lb linebacker was named 1st team All-GMC, Under Armour All-American and to the Dick Butkus Award Watch List. “The two best things that Xavier will bring to Florida State is his passion and competitiveness. He always shows up ready to improve and challenge himself, but he does it in a positive way that brings an infectious energy to those around him,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
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Cedric Thomas-Football– University of Pikeville
Cedric Thomas recorded 40 tackles and a fumble recovery for the Firebirds in the 2017 season. The 5’7”, 150lb defensive back was also the Firebirds leading punt and kickoff return specialist. He returned 21 kickoffs for a total of 409 yards averaging 19.5 yards per return. “Pikeville is getting a tough, hard-nosed player that is not afraid to work hard. Pound for pound, Cedric is one of our toughest players that never backs down and this has allowed him to excel in both football and track.,” said Lakota West Head Football Coach Larry Cox.
