The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
With the school year winding down, the Lakewood Athletics department honored their seniors committed to playing at the next level on Tuesday in the auditorium.
The event has grown since the first time Athletic Director Mike Wadley hosted the festivities. From three athletes back in 2005, the Lancers celebrated more than 25 athletes that are continuing to play their sport in college. 21 of those athletes participated in Tuesday’s ceremony.
“It’s put out there for them,” Wadley said. “Really get them celebrated coming out here and the whole thing. It’s a combination of the kids working hard and then moving on.”
Among the seniors is Lala Hall, who will be continuing her volleyball career at Fresno State, following her sister Fatima and Keke who both play D1 ball.
The Lancers’ Cecil Xavier Smith, who had lightning speed on the football field, is heading to Detroit to play at Wayne State.
“Today is a great day,” Xavier Smith said. “I’m very thankful for everything my coaches put for me and my family. Today we’re going to celebrate it. I’m looking forward to it – to get out there in Detroit and ball. I’m ready to go now.”
Here’s a full list of Lakewood signees:
Lala Hall (volleyball, Fresno State), Emily Nanez (volleyball, LBCC), Jayla Nelson (volleyball, Cypress), Cecil Xavier Smith (football, Wayne State), Jaxson Bonsall (football, Lindenwood), Jojo Apisala (football, Cerritos), Khalea Pahulu (rugby, Lindenwood), Gabriel Rojas (cross country, LBSU), Esper Sanchez (wrestling, Missouri Valley), Nyemah King (basketball, Cal State Fullerton), Amy Rubio (basketball, LBCC), Drake Merrill (baseball, El Camino), Hunter Gershen (baseball, LBCC), Isabella Rueda (softball, Grand Canyon), Arianna Ayala (softball, LAHC), Ivan Mandujano (volleyball, LBCC), Christian Newquist (volleyball, LBCC), Amaya Rice (track, Cal State Northridge), Tinaya Campbell Howell (track, Cal State Dominguez), Mikkelson Francis Reyes (track, Cerritos), and Keyvel Sowell (track, LBCC).
