Ckelana Caesar
University of Louisiana, Monroe
Ckelana Caesar is a proud recruit from Poly who signed with ULM for her soccer skills. She has shown her passion for soccer out on the field alongside her teammates both at the school and club level. “I love my sport because when I’m playing it, nothing else seems to matter. I’m passionate about my sport because there’s nothing better than playing on a field with a group of girls that you would do anything for,” said Caesar. Poly has helped her mature into a better player and has also instilled in her a sense of school pride. “Unlike club soccer, high school soccer is a short, fast season. And within that time you have to build chemistry with people you might have just met that year. Playing soccer with Poly written across your chest is no greater joy,” said Caesar. She is excited to begin a new chapter in her life this coming fall. ”I’m excited to finally get out of Long Beach to get out and explore. I’m excited for all the new experiences, academic challenges, and physical challenges ULM will bring me.”
Sydney Ellis
University of San Francisco
Sydney Ellis is another soccer recruit from Poly prepared to head off to USF this fall. As her favorite pastime and relief of her intense competitive side, soccer has been a lifelong passion for her. “Soccer has been a fun hobby from the beginning. It was usually the way I made friends especially coming to Poly where I really didn’t know anyone. I’m a true competitor so coming to Poly with all the competition helped push me to become better player,” said Ellis. USF fits all Ellis needs to thrive for her next four years. “I chose USF because it gave me an opportunity to leave home but still stay in California. It also wasn’t too small. I love the weather up north and the coach was the right style for the player I am,” said Ellis. With excitement and success in her near future, Ellis is ready to take her skills to the next level. “I’m just excited for the experience of being able to play Division One soccer. I’m also excited to meet new people and experience the beginning stages of life on my own.”
Imani McDonald
California State University, Long Beach
A star soccer player here at Poly, Imani McDonald is ready to advance her skills at CSULB. McDonald has been playing soccer at Poly for her entire high school career and enjoys every minute of it. “I love my sport because it has given me an outlet from every day situations. It’s also been a place for me to meet new people and create friendships that’ll last my lifetime,” said McDonald. She is brimming with school spirit, proudly representing Poly and its soccer program. “It gave me more pride to wear my school’s logo and letters across my chest every chance I get,” said McDonald. Basing her decision on the school’s size, spirit and the quality and competitiveness of its soccer program, McDonald ultimately signed on to play with Long Beach State. She is prepared to take a huge step in her soccer and school career next year. “I am
excited to see what the future has in store for me at Long Beach State athletically as well as academically.”
Johnathan “Chief” Coleman
Bucknell University
Johnathan “Chief” Coleman is a proud water polo recruit from Poly who signed with Bucknell University. Possessing a strong passion for his sport, Coleman feels a sense of peace every time he jumps into the pool. “The water is relaxing, and whether or not I have a bad day, the water will just calm my senses and focus me,” said Coleman. The Poly program is one of many aspects that pushed him even further in his athletic career. “I believe my coaches always challenged me to be the best that I could be when I was doing good or bad reminding me of what I was capable of and not to stop working,” said Coleman. Bucknell seems to be the perfect place for Coleman to spend the next four years of his life. “I wanted to be far from home, be at a college where I could get to know my professors, and [Bucknell is] a top 20 team in the nation,” said Coleman. He cannot wait to gain new connections and see a whole new lifestyle out of his comfort zone.
Cassandra Lew
Sacred Heart University
Cassandra Lew committed with Sacred Heart University for her volleyball skills her junior year. Lew believes that she has gained so much from playing the sport that she loves. “I love volleyball because through it I can do so many things. The sport itself is fun and a great stress reliever, but it’s also a way for me to meet new people, go to a great school among other things,” said Lew. Through her progress in both her school and club teams, Lew found that Sacred Heart was a great fit for her. “Sacred Heart filled all of my school requirements. I wanted to go to a D1 school that had a good volleyball program. I also wanted to be able to explore somewhere new and Sacred Heart being only an hour away from New York City was the perfect place for me to do that,” said Lew. With much anticipation and excitement, Lew is ready to dive into a whole new athletic experience. “I’m excited to put on that Sacred Heart jersey and show those East Coast players how Cali kids play volleyball.”
Izak Epstein
Yale University
Izak Epstein is one of the twenty-five students at Poly who formally signed with their college of choice the first week of February. Epstein, a rower, will be attending Yale University this coming fall. His love of rowing stems from its competitiveness. “I love rowing because you are surrounded with people that will do whatever it takes to be the best,” said Epstein. He chose Yale because he felt that it had a big impact on him as a whole. “After all my official visits, the only place that I truly felt sad leaving was Yale, and that told me where I wanted to spend the next 4 years,” said Epstein, whose future is looking very bright. “Academics and social life aside, I am looking forward to rowing at Yale because rowing isn’t too popular on the West Coast but in the Ivy League it’s pretty much the only sport these schools are good at, so it will be fun to be a more valued [player] on campus.”
Erin Williams
Loyola Marymount University
Erin Williams is a volleyball extraordinaire who recently signed with Loyola Marymount University. She believes that Poly helped to strengthen her love for volleyball even further. “The support Poly gives me in our games made me love the sport even more and helped me get better at my game.” Williams loves volleyball because she likes how competitive and cutthroat the sport is. She plays not only at the school level, but also with her traveling club team. She is looking forward to college life and being independent in the near future. “I’m excited to be on my own and become more independent.”
Selena Cuara
California State University, Los Angeles
Selena Cuara has been playing soccer for almost a decade and has grown fond of it over the years, recently committing to CSULA for this coming fall. “Soccer is really fun because there’s a lot of competition and talent,” said Cuara. She states that the recruitment process began when the CSULA coach came to watch her at a game, in which she scored three goals. Her stellar performance impressed the coach, for she is now gearing up to be a Golden Eagle this fall. Cuara chose CSULA because of its acclaimed criminal justice and forensic science programs. “I’m really excited to be a part of [these] programs and to continue playing soccer.”
Clare Leonard
Amherst College
Clare Leonard is a swimmer who recently signed with Amherst College, a private liberal arts institution in Massachusetts. She enjoys being on her school and club swim teams because the sport is something she excels at. “I’ve never really been good at anything on land. Swimming
is something that I feel good about and that helps me stay fit, and that I can do for the rest of my life,” said Leonard. She chose Amherst based on academics but believes that it will also be a great opportunity for her to make new experiences. “I’m really excited to go to the other side of the country and experience something different from Southern California. I am also excited to learn in such an outstanding academic environment, and to be a part of the swim team there. Everyone I met at Amherst seemed so enthusiastic about their studies and their sports.”
Kanya Bell
San Jose State University
Kanya Bell is a football player who recently signed with San Jose State this past week. Bell is dedicated to football and believes it is a sport that can give him something in return. “I think football can get me far in life and it’s something I enjoy playing,” said Bell. On top of the support that Poly gives, Bell believes Poly has truly shaped him into an amazing athlete. “Poly is always on top of things and it is always pushing me to my limit,” said Bell. He is most excited for college life in the future. “I’m looking forward to the experience and opportunity to live my life.”
Johnnie Rucker
Sacramento State University
Johnnie Rucker will be playing football for Sacramento State University this coming fall. “Out of the two offers I had, I felt Sacramento State was the best fit for me,” said Rucker. “I’m really excited for the whole college lifestyle.” Rucker is a member of the esteemed Poly football program, which has amassed numerous awards throughout his high school career. When asked how the school influenced his experience with sports, he said that Poly was the reason for much of his success on the high school stage. “I can’t imagine [my] life without football. Poly is the best school for sports. That alone made me a better player.”
Jordan Dallas
Weber State University
Another key player on Poly’s award-winning basketball team, Jordan Dallas is signed on to attend Weber State University this fall. He is currently ranked 37th in the nation on the MaxPreps website. Standing at a tall six-foot nine, Dallas is very excited for the opportunity to play collegiate basketball, for he has high aspirations in the future. “Weber State was the best fit for me. In a year or so, I think I could be a big time player,” said Dallas. The super-shot blocker is grateful for the Poly basketball program because it helped him develop a good work ethic. “Poly taught me hard work pays off,” said Dallas.
Paul Estrada
Utah Valley University
Paul Estrada will be taking his baseball skills further at Utah Valley University this coming fall. When he was making the decision, Estrada stressed the importance of going out of state for his undergraduate studies. “I wanted to experience life away from home a different state and a good scholarship. Those are some of the reasons I chose UVU,” said Estrada. He attributes much of his success to his family. “The support from my parents and family has really boosted my self- esteem and it has kept me going ever since I have started playing the sport,” said Estrada. Looking forward to his future, Estrada plans on playing all four years at Utah Valley, hoping to make it to the draft soon afterwards.
Joseph Wicker
Arizona State University
Long Beach Poly’s defensive end Joseph “JoJo” Wicker recently announced his commitment to Arizona State University this coming fall. His long and hard work on the Poly football team is a testament to his love and loyalty to the sport, seeing as he played for all his four years. All his hard work and dedication has now paid off. Wicker’s decision in choosing ASU was based on the great experience he had on his official campus visit. The positive vibes of the school also persuaded Wicker to considering becoming a Sun Devil. ”I’m excited to leave high school and start college,” said Wicker.
Iman Marshall
University of Southern California
One of the most sought-after recruits in the nation, cornerback Iman “Biggie” Marshall ultimately decided to carry on his football career at the University of Southern California, receiving offers from schools like Stanford, UCLA and Florida State. Football has instilled key morals and values in Marshall. He believes that Poly gave him the experience to play with wonderful people and be a part of an accomplished program. “I’m more excited to play football at the college level and [for] everything it has to offer for me,” said Marshall. Look forward to seeing him in the NFL Draft in the near future.
Chris Taliu
Lindenwood University
Long Beach Poly’s offensive linemen Chris Taliu officially announced his commitment to Lindenwood University in the state of Missouri. Many were under the impression that his commitment would be for a football scholarship, but much to everyone’s surprise, he was recruited for rugby, being the first Poly student to do so. Rugby has had a huge impact on his Samoan culture and it gives his family something to be proud of. The mentality and pride that Poly has gives Taliu a competitive edge when he plays. Lindenwood is currently in the top ten schools for rugby and it offers a great variety of programs. Taliu is most excited to use college as a way to spark change in his family and set the trajectory for his bright future.
Kimball Leituala
California State University, Long Beach
Staying close to home, Kimball Leituala has decided to follow through with his passion for volleyball at Long Beach State. Originally from Western Samoa, his favorite sport has always been volleyball, for it is one that is commonly associated with Samoan culture. His commitment to CSULB was an easy decision for Kimball because one of his main requirements was to stay
close to home. He is extremely excited to go off to college and perform at a higher level, improving upon his volleyball skills as a 49’er this fall.
Omari Lyles
Humboldt State University
Long Beach Poly’s inside linebacker Omari Lyles has made a name for himself on the high school level and is looking forward to improving his skills at Humboldt State University this coming fall. His love for football is not for the high-status and glamour, but for the life lessons that experienced coaches and multiple games that helped shape him into a respectable young man. Lyles’s interest in football was strengthened by the traditions of the Poly football program. The Poly tradition was taught to him by his dad, who is was part of the Class of 1985. He is most excited to take his skills to the next level and compete with other talented athletes at Humboldt State, but he is also looking forward to representing Poly at the collegiate level.