The List: Here are Minnesotans making commitments official during the early signing period

The crisp November air carries a sense of anticipation this week as Minnesota high school seniors prepare to solidify their collegiate futures. More than 300 young athletes across the state are poised to make their college commitments official during the early signing period, a moment marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Among them are students from Edina and surrounding communities, embarking on paths that extend far beyond the familiar fields and courts they’ve known.

h2>The Early Signing Period Begins

The NCAA’s early signing period, running from November 11th through 18th, provides an opportunity for high school seniors to formally commit to Division I and Division II athletic programs in sports excluding football. The Minnesota Star Tribune compiled a comprehensive list of these athletes, detailing their chosen sport and their future collegiate destinations. This list, submitted by the schools themselves, represents a significant step for these young men and women as they transition to the next chapter of their lives. A separate signing period for Division I football athletes will occur December 2nd through 4th. Those interested in contributing names to future lists are encouraged to contact the Star Tribune at [email protected].

The compiled list spans a diverse array of sports, including acrobatics and tumbling, baseball, boys and girls basketball, beach volleyball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, hockey, and more. From Avery Sammon of Northfield, Sacred Heart, committing to acrobatics and tumbling, to Zayne Zollner of Pipestone Area heading to Southwest Minnesota State for baseball, the range of athletic pursuits is impressive. Within the basketball realm alone, Vincent Cronin of Edina will be playing for Miami (Ohio), while Max Beeninga from Wayzata will compete for Minnesota State Moorhead. The commitments reflect a broad geographic distribution of collegiate choices, with schools across the Midwest and beyond represented.

Notable Commitments by Sport

Here’s a breakdown of some of the Minnesota athletes and their collegiate destinations, categorized by sport:

• Acrobatics and Tumbling: Avery Sammon (Northfield, Sacred Heart) – Sacred Heart
• Baseball: Gavin Bifulk (Mahtomedi) – St. Cloud State; Drew Boyd (Eagan) – Winona State; Nolan Carr (Minnetonka) – Concordia (St. Paul); Ike Crouser (Cretin-Derham Hall) – Minnesota; Ethan Day (West Lutheran) – St. Thomas; Carson Deibele (Monticello) – Augustana; William Denenholz (Two Rivers) – Wright State; Leighton Egger (Stillwater) – Minnesota-Crookston; Anders Espeland (Minnetonka) – Minnesota-Crookston; Isaac Feller (Cretin-Derham Hall) – Nebraska; Leo Giwa (Champlin Park) – Mary; Mason Goldberg (Prior Lake) – Minnesota State Mankato; Cooper Hanson (Elk River) – South Dakota State; Nolan Hemker (Sartell) – Minnesota Duluth; Cale Holthaus (Monticello) – Augustana; Griffin Johnson (Anoka) – Jamestown; Alexander Kakach (Wayzata) – Creighton; Vineel Kandi (Prior Lake) – Minnesota Duluth; Aeson Kiley (Hill-Murray) – Minnesota State Mankato; Andrew Lawson (Minnetonka) – Concordia (St. Paul); Noah Little (St. Croix Lutheran) – Bemidji State; Lucas Oistad (Farmington) – Sioux Falls; Camden Olson (Stillwater) – Colorado School of Mines; Jack Runk (Stillwater) – Minnesota; Jack Schultz (Armstrong) – Southern Illinois-Edwardsville; Mateo Segura (Sartell) – St. Cloud State; Jack Storts (Minnetonka) – Minnesota-Crookston; Avery Stubbs (Mankato East) – St. Cloud State; Joey Terhaar (Totino-Grace) – St. Thomas; Jack VanGemert (Cretin-Derham Hall) – Navy; Cooper Voth (Farmington) – Southwest Minnesota State; Oscar Waisanen (Benilde-St. Margaret’s) – St. Thomas; Riley West (Buffalo) – Southwest Minnesota State; Charlie Wielinski (Rosemount) – St. Thomas; Noah Young (Rogers) – Jamestown.
• Boys Basketball: Baboucarr Ann (Maple Grove) – Wisconsin; Max Beeninga (Wayzata) – Minnesota State Moorhead; Ray Brau (Hibbing) – Michigan Tech; Bennett Cizadlo (Maple Grove) – Concordia (St. Paul); Vincent Cronin (Edina) – Miami (Ohio); Tyler Forrest (Chaska) – South Dakota State; Bryce Gaustad (Anoka) – North Dakota; Malachi Hill (Totino-Grace) – Tennessee Tech; Xaviahn Ivey (Wayzata) – Wayne State (Neb.); Shay Jackson (Totino-Grace) – Concordia (St. Paul); Ty Schlagel (Cretin-Derham Hall) – Nebraska; Briggs Sheridan (Farmington) – Minnesota State Mankato; Trey Theis (Prior Lake) – Minot State; Deon Wallace-Johnson (DeLaSalle) – South Dakota State; Gavin Walter (Champlin Park) – Augustana.
• Girls Basketball: Kate Arnold (Chanhassen) – South Dakota; Alivia (Liv) Bell (Benilde-St. Margaret’s) – Bemidji State; Addison Bjorklund (Brainerd) – North Dakota; Berkley Blaisdell (Mahtomedi) – Palm Beach Atlantic; Ava Brynteson (Prior Lake) – Concordia (St. Paul); Gianna Carpentier (Rosemount) – Minnesota Duluth; Ava Cupito (Hopkins) – Florida Atlantic; Maren Day (Wayzata) – South Dakota State; Jaliyah Diggs (Hopkins) – Missouri Kansas City; Ava Doherty (Wayzata) – Jamestown; Antonia Fisher (Prior Lake) – Tulsa; Alayna Hardy (Winona Cotter) – Bemidji State; Lyla Hentges (Chanhassen) – St. Thomas; Annika Kieser (Wayzata) – Montana; Maya Kilian (New Prague) – North Dakota State; Alexis Lawrence (Sacred Heart) – Minnesota State Moorhead; Ava Litecky (Totino-Grace) – Sioux Falls; Skyler Mancini (Chanhassen) – St. Thomas; Morgan Mathiowetz (Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s) – North Dakota State; Brooke Mickolichek (Glencoe-Silver Lake) – Concordia (St. Paul); Emma Millerbernd (Providence Academy) – West Florida; Nesa Namjoshi (Eden Prairie) – Minnesota State Mankato; Arshia Ramlall (Rosemount) – Stanford; Morgan Rysdam (Braham) – Jamestown; Mariah Sexton (Maple Grove) – Concordia (St. Paul); Anna Smelser (Armstrong) – Winona State; Anna Smolich (Spring Lake Park) – Minnesota Duluth; Kayla Stork (Byron) – Southwest Minnesota State; Erma Walker (Hopkins) – Ohio; Pressley Watkins (Benilde-St. Margaret’s) – Loyola-Chicago; Breckin Whynott (Woodbury) – Molloy; Mya Wilson (Hill-Murray) – Ohio State.

The list also highlights the significance of Minnesota’s athletic programs, with several athletes choosing to remain in state. For example, Ike Crouser from Cretin-Derham Hall will be playing baseball for the University of Minnesota, and Anna Smolich from Spring Lake Park will be competing in volleyball for the University of Minnesota Duluth. The commitments underscore the opportunities available for Minnesota athletes to pursue their passions at the collegiate level while staying close to home and contributing to the state’s vibrant athletic community. The Minnesota State High School League oversees athletics across the state.

Community and Family Support

While direct reactions from Edina residents are not detailed in the source material, the significance of these commitments extends far beyond the individual athletes. For families, these commitments represent years of sacrifice and unwavering support. The dedication required to excel in athletics often demands significant time and financial resources, and these young people have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their goals. The success of these athletes reflects positively on the schools and communities that have fostered their development – Edina High School, in particular, has a long-standing tradition of athletic excellence. The broader community can take pride in knowing that these individuals will represent Minnesota with distinction at the collegiate level. Edina Public Schools consistently ranks among the top districts in the state.

The early signing period also serves as a reminder of the importance of strong family structures and supportive communities in shaping young lives. The pursuit of athletic excellence often requires a team effort, involving parents, coaches, teachers, and mentors who provide guidance and encouragement along the way. These commitments are not just about athletic achievement; they are about personal growth, resilience, and the development of valuable life skills.

Looking Ahead

The early signing period marks the beginning of a new chapter for these athletes, but it is not the end of their journey. The coming months will be filled with rigorous training and preparation as they transition to collegiate athletics. They will face new challenges, both on and off the field, and will need to adapt to a new environment. The commitments made this week are a testament to their hard work and dedication, but they also represent a renewed commitment to excellence.

The Division I football early signing period will take place December 2nd through 4th, providing another opportunity for Minnesota athletes to solidify their collegiate plans. For those who did not sign during this early period, the regular signing day in February will offer a final chance to make their commitments official.

Katherine's Perspective

Looking at this list, what strikes me most is the sheer volume of young people who have found a pathway to continue their athletic pursuits at the collegiate level. It’s a tangible demonstration of the power of dedication and the support systems – families, coaches, schools – that nurture these talents. While athletic scholarships are a valuable tool, they represent more than just financial assistance; they signify a belief in a young person’s potential and a commitment to their future. The fact that so many of these athletes are choosing to stay within the Midwest speaks to the strength and appeal of regional institutions and the desire to remain close to their support networks.

However, it’s also a moment for reflection. While celebrating these successes, we must also acknowledge the reality that not every student-athlete will reach this level. The pressure to perform can be intense, and the sacrifices required are significant. It is crucial that we continue to emphasize the importance of academics and character development alongside athletic achievement, ensuring that these young people are prepared for success both on and off the field. The stability of a loving home and the guidance of strong mentors are invaluable assets in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.

As a community, we have a responsibility to support all young people, regardless of their athletic aspirations. Creating opportunities for all students to thrive, whether through athletics, academics, or the arts, is essential for building a vibrant and resilient society. These commitments are a reminder of the potential that exists within our young people and the importance of investing in their future.

Resources for Aspiring Athletes

For parents and students seeking more information about college athletics and the recruiting process, several resources are available. The NCAA website (https://www.ncaa.org/) provides comprehensive information on eligibility requirements, recruiting guidelines, and student-athlete support services. The Minnesota State High School League (https://mshsl.org/) offers resources for student-athletes and their families, including information on academic standards and athletic participation. Local high school guidance counselors can also provide valuable assistance with the college application and selection process. Edina Public Schools provides extensive college counseling services. For more information on Minnesota high school athletics, visit Star Tribune High School Sports.

h2>Celebrating Future Success

The early signing period is a significant milestone, but it’s just one step in a longer journey. As these athletes embark on their collegiate careers, they will face new challenges and opportunities. The Edina community, along with the broader state of Minnesota, will be watching with pride as they represent our schools and our values on the national stage. The success of these young people is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering support of family and community. The values instilled through athletics – teamwork, discipline, and resilience – are invaluable assets that will serve them well throughout their lives.

The ongoing commitment to supporting student-athletes – both those who receive athletic scholarships and those who participate for the love of the game – is crucial for fostering a thriving athletic community in Edina and throughout Minnesota. By celebrating their achievements and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, we can ensure that future generations of young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.