On April 25, NDB’s athletic department held its annual signing day ceremony in the Moore Pavilion. Surrounded by family, friends and coaches, four seniors signed their letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level.

The athletes included Melanie Castelli, who committed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for track and field, Alexa Couto, who committed to Concordia University for softball, Athena Carvallo, who committed to the University of California, Riverside for soccer and Ashna Tumuluri, who committed to the University of Pennsylvania for squash.

Each college commit delivered a heartfelt speech to show appreciation to their loved ones and all those who have contributed to their success.

For these athletes, the journey to this signing table was not necessarily always easy. It took time and dedication to continuously improve in their sport and persist through the many obstacles.

“There were times when I was injured or struggling mentally with the game,” said Couto. “But once I realized that I had the mental, physical and emotional ability, I realized that I could play in college.”

All four athletes have been playing and improving in their respective sports for years, so it is fulfilling for them to see their work pay off.

“I’ve been playing soccer for 13 years, so it’s really exciting for me to be able to reach my goal of playing at the next level,” said Carvallo. “I can’t wait to see where it takes me”

The signing ceremony helped to celebrate all these NDB athletes have accomplished and their bright futures as they continue their passion for athletics in college.