College Bound Dublin High School Student-Athletes Reflect on National Signing Day

February 8, 2013

What is National Signing Day? For student-athletes across the country, Wednesday February 6, 2013 was the initial signing date for many collegiate sports. Six Dublin High School student athletes, surrounded by their peers, coaches and family members, signed a binding National Letter of Intent for collegiate sports capping years of training, competition, exhilarating wins and painful losses all while being evaluated and ranked by college recruiters.

According to the NCAA website, “by signing a National Letter of Intent, a prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the designated college or university for one academic year … participating institutions agree to provide athletics financial aid to the student-athlete, provided he/she is admitted to the institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules.”

Meet the six Dublin High School student athletes, Alex Cappa, Andrew Chalker, Kendra Cheda, Spencer Hollie, Hailey Zummo and Megan Zummo, who participated in National Signing Day at the Dublin High School Sports Complex and shared their thoughts with OneDublin.org:

Alex Cappa will continue to play football at Humboldt State University. Alex also plays baseball for Dublin High School:

“I’m really excited to go play football at a high level, but more importantly to get a good education. Humboldt State University has a great coaching staff and a unique environment that I am excited to join.”

Andrew Chalker will continue to play soccer at Dominican University of California:

“I am excited to sign with Dominican to play with their soccer program! I started visiting colleges my freshman year as a soccer recruit and had 3 criteria for selecting a college:

Student Population: I love Dublin High School and wanted a similar college experience at a small school.

Education: Dominican University offers an Ivy League quality education, small class sizes and a guarantee that I will graduate within 4 years.

Soccer: The Dominican soccer team has a similar playing style to mine which is possession oriented with fast paced attacking. Phil and Jon are wonderful coaches who successfully built up the soccer program in their move from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

“I am thankful to my Dublin High and Castro Valley United Soccer Club coaches, teachers and also my parents for all of their support and guidance in helping me to get me this far!”

Kendra Cheda will continue to play lacrosse at Adams State University:

“I cannot wait to continue my lacrosse career and study Nursing at Adams State University!”

Spencer Hollie will continue to play football at Southern Methodist University. Spencer also plays basketball for Dublin High School:

“My dad never pushed me to go to SMU because he went there and my mom just wanted me to go to the best school for me. SMU holds a lot of sentimental value, but at the same time I want to create my own legacy at SMU. I thank everyone for your support in my life and I will make you proud. All Faith, No Fear! – Go Mustangs!”

Hailey and Megan Zummo will continue to play lacrosse at St. Mary’s College of California. They are also both on the soccer team at Dublin High School:

Hailey Zummo, “It has always been my dream to be a Division 1 athlete. I can’t believe it’s coming true! For all the blood, sweat, and tears to pay off with a scholarship to Saint Mary’s is just amazing. I’m extremely proud and honored to be a Gael for life!”

Megan Zummo, “As a competitive soccer player from a young age, I always thought college soccer was in my future. When I got into high school I was introduced to lacrosse. At first I struggled and I didn’t like it, but eventually I fell in love with lacrosse and it became a competitive game that I considered to play in college. SMC is an amazing opportunity and I’m so glad our hard work through athletics has paid off. I can’t wait to be a Gael for Life!”