As high school seniors finish submitting their college applications, some students already have an idea of where they’re going. College recruiters have found several talented TCHS athletes.
Paul Kosanovich
As a versatile athlete, Senior Paul Kosanovich plays both baseball and football, playing baseball since he was four and flag football in elementary school. With his impressive talent at sports, Kosanovich attracted the baseball team of University of California, San Diego and football teams from many colleges, including Division II schools like Colorado Mesa and Colorado State Pueblo and several other NAIA schools like University of Jamestown. So far, Kosanovich is most interested in going to University of Oregon, which is a Division I school.
“Of course, I’m really blessed for the opportunites I’ve been given,” Kosanovich said. “I’m just really excited that I stand out. You get to realize how good of a player you are, but at the same time have to hold yourself to that standard. You have to keep good work ethic and maintain that status.”
Kosanovich also wishes to become a professional football athlete after college.
“Everyone who grows up in whatever sport they play has that dream of making it to the next level and getting into the pros, and I’ve had my mind set on that since I was little,” Kosanovich said. “Deep down inside, I know that I have a chance if I keep working. It’s going to be a difficult run ahead, but I think I can do it.”
Anthony DeGravina
Last summer, Senior Anthony DeGravina played for US National Team at the Regional Development Camp at Claremont McKenna College, and earned the opportunity to play in the National Development Games.
“It’s been 10 years since I started playing football,” DeGravina said. “Ever since my first game in third grade I could never get enough of it. Football to me is the best sport around. It means having comradery and having a second family of brothers.”
Sterling College, Occidental College and few other schools in the east coast had also reached out their hand to DeGravina. With availability of his major and a relatively small school size, Sterling became DeGravina’s first choice.
“Sterling College attracts me because they have my major, and it’s a small college which makes it easier to get to know people,” DeGravina said. “They are also a part of NAIA, which is like a DII college that can offer scholarships.”
Amber Arreola
While seniors are preparing for colleges, some underclassmen significantly display their readiness for future. For Sophomore Amber Arreola, being part of Varsity Softball is a gift of experience, challenges and friendships. Moreover, it draws colleges’ attention to an enthusiastic student like her.
“The experiences that the sport gives me is what makes me dedicated,” Arreola said. “Softball also gives you a sense of conquering a challenge with hard work and enjoying the win with 13 of your best friends.”
Arreola is in process of recruitment by Wagner College, Bradley University and other schools. Knowing softball recruiting can start early, Arreola began applying for colleges she would possibly attend back in eighth grade.
“For me it’s still making sure to put the academic side of a school before their softball program,” Arreola said. “A lot of times I might really like a school but they don’t have my major.”
Karlly Feng
Near the end of October, Brown University recruited Senior Karlly Feng, who eventually committed herself to the school. Since freshman year, in which she became firmly engaged in pole vaulting, Feng has participated in several major competitions such as in State meets and placed at the 2015 CIF Finals.
Feng had always been interested in Brown University, but Brown was not responsive to her profile. Without hesitation, Feng gripped onto the chance of introducing herself to Brown’s Head Track and Field coach when she was visiting the campus, and successfully caught his attention.
“The whole recruiting process was such a great experience for me,” Feng said. “I learned that sometimes you need to go that extra mile to get what you’ve been working so hard for.”