Folsom High recognizes 18 student-athletes continuing athletics in college

Eighteen Folsom High student-athletes were recognized Wednesday for signing scholarships to continue their athletic careers in college. The athletes joined family, friends, coaches and classmates in the small gymnasium on campus for the ceremony. The athletes' high school coaches said a few words about them and about their future plans. Two athletes, football players Ari Patu and Kaleb Higgins were not at the ceremony, as they have already graduated and moved on to start their football careers at Stanford and Cal Berkeley, respectively. Football coach Paul Doherty still spoke on their behalf and also talked to the other student-athletes, speaking about the importance of building relationships and always being respectful. Five Folsom High softball players will continue their athletic careers at the next level, as coach Tom Pfeiler introduced Jaedyn Barrow, Sonia Caban, Alexa DeMarse, Jazyln Kalehuawehe and Shelby Pfeiler. Barrow will attend CSU, Monterey Bay, Caban is headed to Colorado State University, Pueblo, DeMarse will attend UC San Diego, Kalehuawehe will play at Montana State, Billings, while Pfeiler will attend Concordia Irvine. Folsom baseball coach Aaron Agnew recognized a pair of seniors: Cooper Robinson, who will play at UC Irvine, and Ryan Stafford, who is headed to Cal Poly. Track and field coach Steve Kinoshita introduced thrower Jenny Rehnvall, who will take her talents to Sacramento State. Girls' basketball coach Lynn Wolking recognized Charity Gallegos, who will play for Chico State, while teammate Paisley Specht will attend Idaho State. Boys' basketball coach Mike Wall, talked about Jalen Wells, who will move to Sonoma State next year. Cheerleading coach Lynn Starr talked about Kennedy Clayton, who will cheer next year at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Coach Rick Carrigan spoke of two soccer players, Kaylee Gillespie and Emma Hofmann, who are moving on to William Jessup University and Chico State, respectively. Two swimmers, coached by Kristen Stravers, also earned scholarships. Emily Cooley will attend Northwestern University outside of Boston, while Eric Thomure is headed to Seattle University. At the end of the ceremony, Athletic Director Lisa Finley announced the Athlete of the Year awards, given to Emily Cooley and Jalen Wells.