On April 25, Sahuaro gathered to celebrate the signing of thirteen student-athletes to play at the next level. The athletes were lined up on the stage of the auditorium, sitting at tables decorated to the brim with balloons, flags, letters, shirts, keepsakes, and a variety of items themed to the school they were signing to.

The students who made an appearance at signing day were:

• Brooklyn Comfort (Volleyball) – Champion Christian College 
• Brady Celentano (Football) – Ottawa University
• Jailyn Clark (Football) – Eastern New Mexico University
• Kingston Grigsby (Football) – Fort Lewis College
• Kristen Valdez (Basketball) – Ottawa University
• Cassandra Coolidge (Basketball) – Undecided
• Ny’Anza Brown (Basketball) – Scottsdale Community College
• Dameris Canto-Parker (Soccer) – Pima Community College
• Mya Hernandez (Softball) – Central Arizona Community College
• Emily Marsh (Softball) – Eastern New Mexico University
• Ethan Bess (Baseball) – Dickinson State University
• Justin Payne (Baseball) – Hastings College
• Frankie Aldan-Sablan (Baseball) – Dickinson State University

The event opened up with Mr. Botkin, the athletic director at Sahuaro, introducing each athlete and their coach and showing the PowerPoint made by Evie, which displayed photos of the athletes. First up was the fall athletes.

Coach Haynes was introduced on stage to talk about Brooklyn Comfort, who plays volleyball. Brooklyn has incredible stats, including being #1 in 4A for digs and 4A Kino defensive player of the year. Coach Haynes said, “Brooklyn was an incredible leader for our team. She played varsity and started on varsity for three years, all three years I’ve been a coach here at Sahuaro, so it’s been an honor to be a part of the program with her. You will be greatly missed as a leader and in the back row as a defensive powerhouse for us, so Brooklyn, good luck, and you’re going to kill it.”

Football was next up for fall sports, and Coach Al was called up to talk about Brady Celentano, Jailyn Clark, and Kingston Grigsby. Coach Al gave a heartfelt speech about his nephew, Jailyn Clark. He said, “He transferred from Mica Mountain. He took a chance, and it worked out.” For all of the boys, he said, “Keep up the hard work, and I’m so proud of you, all three of you guys.”

Transitioning into winter sports, Coach Botkin came up to talk about Kristen Valdez, Ny’Anza Brown, and Cassandra Coolidge. This was a big year for girls’ basketball, especially with signing, and Coach Botkin said, “…I’ve been the head coach here for 28 years, and this is the first time we’ve had three in one year, which says a lot about these three young ladies.”

Each girl had impressive stats and qualities about them on and off the court. Kristen Valdez was nominated as first team all-region AIA; Ny’Anza led the team in 70 assists, which is now in the record books for Sahuaro; Cassandra Coolidge, who is currently uncommitted, but thinking about signing with Pima, has played 111 games in her 4 years, (which would’ve been more if it weren’t for the COVID season) and scored 1473 points total.

Coach Kruszewski couldn’t make it to the signing day, so Coach Botkin read what he had to say about Dameris Canto-Parker. Another athlete with outstanding stats, Dameris is a 4-year starter on varsity and has led the team this season with 17 goals and 11 assists. Coach Kruszewski said, “D0m is also funny, caring, and has exceptional character, making her not only a phenomenal player but also a cherished teammate.”

Next was spring sports, starting with softball. Coach Pacheco said, “Since their freshman year, let me tell you, I had no doubts about them. No doubts. I said ‘Yup freshman they’re varsity all day. All day.’ But just to keep it short and sweet about both of them, these two are the definition of student-athlete…On the field, off the field, excellent on both.” These girls are both ranked for Tucson and 4A, and Coach Botkin interjected at the end to shout out Emily for her last at-bat as a Cougar when she hit the game-winning home run. 

Mya Hernandez is ready to play on the next level; she picked Central Arizona Community College because, “I liked that everything was pretty close by, especially with my field and my dorm, and then my classes being right there.” Mya also said, “I’ve known my coach from club ball, and I’ve known a couple of teammates there, so I’m excited to be with people I know.” 

Lastly, was baseball. Coach Hackman said, “I’m excited for these three boys, and we’re going to miss them next year, being as big of a part of this team as they are.” Justin Payne, Ethan Bess, and Frankie Aldan-Sablan were part of the team that went to the playoffs for three years after a few years in which the team did not go. Coach Hackman said, “All of our seniors do it all. They play multiple positions on the team and are a great asset to Sahuaro’s baseball team.”

Ethan Bess is committing to Dickinson State University and finds that it’s the best offer for him. He’s excited to play on, and he liked their field because it’s, “…turf, and it’s like a stadium.” He’s also met the coaches and said, “My coaches seem very laid back, and seem very chill.”

The day ended with the athletes signing their national collegiate letter of intent with their keepsake pens that don the phrase “Once a Cougar, always a Cougar”.

Congratulations to the 13 athletes for receiving offers and committing to play on the next level. You’ve all done great things for Sahuaro and will continue to be outstanding student-athletes. Go Cougars!