Four Hazen High School students athletes this week officially committed to continuing their athletic careers in college.
On Wednesday in a small ceremony held at the school, one athlete committed to play soccer at Division II Western Washington Universtity and three athletes signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at local community colleges.
Principal Randy Taylor hosted the event and talked about the work these student athletes have put in to be able to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level.
“These four individuals have made significant contributions to Hazen High School,” he said. “We are proud of them.”
The students and their college choices are:
Gabrielle “Gabby” Brower, soccer; Western Washington University.
As she signed her letter of intent to play Soccer for Western Washington University, senior Gabby Brower said she will miss the feelings of family and friendship at Hazen High School. She said she appreciates how everyone is always welcome here, no matter who they are.
When asked what she will take away from her high school experience with soccer, she said, “It’s not all about the experience on the field. I learned more from the experiences off the field with my team than on. One of our coaches this year, Breann VandenBos, made us run a lot this year because of our emotions after games. It really helped bring the team together.”
At WWU, Brower looks forward to playing soccer at the collegiate level, and after college maybe even at the professional level, in the National Women’s Soccer League. She is excited to be in Bellingham, for the beauty of the location, the hiking, and because of the strong Education program. Brower hopes to become a teacher someday. Brower is also involved with ASB, Leadership, and basketball at Hazen High School. She was joined at the signing ceremony by her parents, Greg and Margaret Brower.
Chelsea Delgado, soccer; Bellevue College
Chelsea Delgado signed with Bellevue College to play soccer for the Bulldogs next year. Chelsea’s mother, Royann Henley, joined her for the ceremony at Hazen High School.
When asked what she is looking forward to most at Bellevue next year, Delgado said, “I am excited to join a new family. I have been very close with my Hazen teammates and I hope to have that experience continue.”
Delgado has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old. At Hazen she has been active in track and soccer. She said that she sees Bellevue as the next step, a transition place to a four-year university. She is working toward the goal of becoming a forensic psychologist.
What inspires her?
“My parents; they push me to do more, to go farther,” she said. “The college experience that I’m going to have is a chance that they didn’t get.”
Quadir Griffin, football; Everett Junior College
Quadir Griffin, cheered on by his mother Melanie Swanigan, signed a letter of intent today, becoming an official Red Raider in the Everett JC football program.
“I will always be thankful for the people from Hazen, from SLC, from the Renton School district. The teachers, the students, and especially the team. I will never forget them,” stated Griffin.
Griffin said he has learned a lot from sports, including responsibility, character, respect, dedication, and work – lots of hard work. In Everett, he said he is looking forward to “the higher level of competition, to keep playing the sport I love, and the experience of being on the college campus.”
His dream is to earn an MBA. He also wants to keep playing football, getting stronger, and hopefully then play for a bigger university and perhaps the NFL. His older brother, DeSean Harrell, followed this same path, from junior college to WSU, where he was named to the All Pac-10.
Joseph Glaefke also signed with the Everett Red Raiders to play football but was unable to attend yesterday’s ceremony.
