As the school year nears its end, one important element of senior season is the final college commitments being announced. Many Bulldogs, especially committed athletes, have recently revealed their decisions to play at colleges throughout the country.

Briauna Lakin: Irvine Valley College

Briauna Lakin (12) has officially committed to Irvine Valley College (IVC) to continue her soccer career at the collegiate level—a dream she has long hoped to achieve.

“My brother actually helped me learn the game, and ever since that I have never wanted to stop playing,” Lakin said.

“Her journey with soccer initially started with family support, but her love for the game developed quickly. For Lakin, soccer provides peace, challenges, and motivation, making it much more than just a sport.

“I think it’s such a mental game and physical game which pushes me to my future goals,” Lakin said.

Lakin’s commitment to IVC is just the beginning. She plans to pursue a career in the sports industry, hoping to become an athletic trainer. The combination of academics and athletics is a path she’s excited to follow.

Looking ahead, Lakin hopes to continue advancing in soccer while building her future With a strong mindset, passion for the sport, and a clear vision of her goals, Lakin is excited to take the next step as a student-athlete. IVC will be the next chapter in her journey, and the student-athlete is excited for what lies ahead.

[Elisabeth Lee]

Caden Barrett: University of Alabama

Caden Barrett (12) took his football talent to the University of Alabama. Wanting the true college experience, and being attracted by the culture of large, sporty colleges (especially down in the South), Barrett is willing to take the route to move far away from his hometown and engage in various activities to live out his new chapter in life.

“I chose the University of Alabama to get a true college experience,” said Barrett. “With moving away from home, going to crazy football games, joining a fraternity, and getting my overall education.”

With a palette of different colleges he could have chosen to go to, it’s very possible other options were considered after high school. Barrett considered the University of San Diego (USD), as it was within his home state of California; however, the football player was ultimately drawn to Alabama.

Barrett also expressed his interests for the military path. Inspired by one of his family members who was also interested in the military, Barrett had his eyes on The Citadel, a military oriented college located in South Carolina.

“I also considered the Citadel because I was interested in the military and my grandfather went there,” said Barrett. “Along with USD because I love San Diego, and it was still semi-close to home.”

While still anticipating his college years, Barrett desires to fulfill his career path at the University of Alabama.

“Besides having fun at college, I plan to actually choose my career there and decide what I’m going to do with my life,” said Barrett.

[Raymond Aguirre Jr.]

Nate Jilek: Ottawa University

“Since I was a little kid I wanted to play college baseball,” Nate Jilek (12) said.

Jilek has recently achieved this life long dream with his commitment to Ottawa University. His hard work throughout high school, along with the constant support of those around him has led him to this accomplishment. 

He is planning to study civil engineering and is excited about the close knit community the college brings him, which was one of the main reasons for his decision to go to Ottawa.

Jilek is ecstatic to start this new chapter of his life. From playing baseball since a young age, Jilek is advancing his experience in the sport by starting his college baseball career.

“The commitment made [baseball] 10 times more exciting,” Jilek said. 

[Allison Caganap]

Alexia Talbot: Hope International University (HIU)

“The main reason I chose HIU was the Lord. [I] prayed for a sign that I belonged there and he gave it to me,” Talbot said.

While most students have ended the chapter in their life as a student-athlete, Talbot has just opened a new path in her career. The final wave of college decisions has revealed Talbot’s commitment to Hope International University (HIU) in Fullerton, California, where she will play for their girls’ wrestling team while majoring in Criminal Justice. 

Throughout her journey from jiu-jitsu to wrestling, Talbot has received appreciative support from coaches, teammates, and especially, her parents.

“They always helped make me better, paid for me to go to the best wrestling camps, got me a personal trainer and everything I needed to make myself better in the sport, but also off the mat,” Talbot said.

Despite the new season, team, and opportunities for wrestling that Talbot looks forward to welcoming, the lessons and memories she made have certainly left an impact on Talbot’s life.

“If I could describe my highschool career in one word I would use meaningful,” Talbot said. “Everything about it was full of emotions and worth that I couldn’t have gotten with any other coaches or teams. I learned lessons, gained family, and skills that I will forever be grateful for.”

[Kaylani Hsu]

Obiama Machete- University California San Diego

Ayala’s Obioma Emechete (12) is a Division 1 track-star who is committed to University of California San Diego (UCSD) to continue pursuing her career as a track athlete. Receiving an offer much earlier than she had expected, Emechete is excited for the future that awaits her.

While striving to grow as an athlete, Emechete also looks forward to the social life that UCSD and UCSD’s track team has to offer.

“I hope to break school records and build a support system amongst my teammates and coaches,” Emechete said.

Alongside track, Obioma is excited to major in human biology and pursue a path in anesthesiology in the future.

[Terran Chu]