- April 25, 2024
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Joie Eckhard wanted to find the perfect fit.
The Out-of-Door Academy senior swimmer traveled across the country in search of the place she could eventually call home.
Eckhard found what she was looking for at Pepperdine University, in Malibu, Calif., and April 27, in front of her parents, teachers and friends, the middle-distance freestyler signed a national letter of intent to swim for the Waves.
“I see it as a huge opportunity not only to continue with the sport I've been doing my whole life but also to find a new family in California in my coaches and teammates,” Eckhard says. “Just from visiting the school I know the team is so close and really consider each other family, and I can't wait to be a part of that.”
Eckhard, who plans to study communications, journalism or public relations, chose Pepperdine over several other schools, including Colorado College, Lafayette University, Colby College, Rollins College, Chapman University and Lake Forest College, among others.
Eckhard chose Pepperdine for its campus, the swim team and the friendliness of the people.
“Everyone has told me the college search process is so much about where you can see yourself and what just feels right,” Eckhard says. “I definitely got the feeling that Pepperdine was where I was supposed to be. I love the idea of going to college and having an immediate family.”
During her senior season, Eckhard, who also swims for the Sarasota Sharks, finished seventh in the 200-yard freestyle (2:00.61) at the Class 1A-Region 3 Swimming and Diving Championships. She also finished eighth in the 500 freestyle (5:21.99) and helped lead the girls 200 freestyle relay to an eighth-place finish in a school-record time of 1:49.01 and the 400 freestyle relay to an eighth-place finish (3:58.46).
In addition to Eckhard, 10 other East County student/athletes recently announced their college intentions. On May 7, Braden River senior outside hitter Siena Kelley signed a volleyball scholarship to Polk State College. Polk is member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and finished 10th at last year’s NJCAA Division I Volleyball National Championship.
On May 8, nine Lakewood Ranch seniors across three sports signed letters of intent to play at the next level.
Sport: Football
Position: Cornerback
College choice: Southeastern University in Lakeland
Deciding factor: The football facilities
Reaction: “It’s (always) been a dream of mine to play at the next level,” Bezet says. “I’m looking forward to the relationships that I’m going to build.”
Intended major: Business
Sport: Football
Position: Tight end
College choice: North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, N.C.
Deciding factor: “The staff and the coaches were very nice, and they were very dedicated to getting me there,” Davis says.
Reaction: “It’s exciting,” Davis says. “I’ve worked very hard for this.”
Intended major: Exercise science
Sport: Football
Position: Wide receiver
College choice: Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio
Deciding factor: “I felt comfortable and the coaches really liked me,” Hadley says. “I felt like Ohio Northern would give me the best opportunity.”
Other options: Northwest Missouri, Adrian College and Carson-Newman University
Reaction: “It’s fun,” Hadley says. “This is such a good thing and I’m just thankful.”
Intended major: Sports management
Sport: Football
Position: Quarterback
College choice: Adrian College in Adrian, Mich.
Deciding factor: “I have family in Michigan and the program is a winning program,” Rex says. “I love to win. I’m very competitive.”
Other options: Ohio Northern University, Defiance College, Bethel College and North Carolina Wesleyan College
Reaction: “It’s good because, honestly, it was kind of stressful,” Rex says. “I went on (a lot) of visits, and (Adrian) was my final one. It felt like the closest thing to home out of all of my visits. I just wanted the college experience and to be able to keep playing. I didn’t want to stop playing.”
Intended major: Criminal justice
Sport: Football
Position: Safety
College choice: Caroll University in Waukesha, Wis.
Deciding factor: The education, the coaches and college’s atmosphere
Reaction: “It’s exciting,” Vonderhofen says. “I’m ready to move on to bigger and better things, but at the same time it’s sad having to leave all of your friends and go to a new school where you don’t know anyone.”
Intended major: Applied physics and engineering
Sport: Golf
College choice: Jacksonville University
Deciding factor: “The coaches are all really awesome and personable and they really got to know me,” Schultz says. “It made it easy for me to commit.”
Other options: George Washington University, Columbia University and the University of Denver
Reaction: “It means a lot,” Schultz says. “It’s the next chapter. To be able to play Division I is really awesome and to be able to stay in Florida is really great, too.”
Intended major: Business
Sport: Soccer
Position: Midfield
College choice: Midland University in Fremont, Neb.
Deciding factor: “The soccer team and the coaching staff really intrigued me,” Dube says. “It’s a good program.”
Other options: Florida Southern
Reaction: “It’s huge,” Dube says. “To be able to step up to the next level is a big accomplishment, and I’m ready for it.”
Intended major: Sports management
Sport: Soccer
Position: Defender
College choice: St. Leo University, in St. Leo
Deciding factor: “The campus is amazing,” Miller says. “The soccer program is incredible, and the way that they treat their athletes and the stuff that they do definitely sold me.”
Other options: Florida Institute of Technology
Reaction: “It’s exciting,” Miller says. “For a while I wasn’t sure I even wanted to play, but I’ve never been happier.”
Intended major: Psychology
Sport: Soccer
Position: Forward
College choice: The King’s College in New York, N.Y.
Deciding factor: Its location
Other options: Columbia University and New Jersey Institute of Technology
Reaction: “It’s great,” Payen says. “It’s just exciting.”
Intended major: Business and economics
