Five of Pinewood’s top senior athletes celebrated their college commitments and the continuation of their athletic careers during Signing Day on May 2.

Senior Vallory Kuelker will play Division I basketball at Southern Utah University, while seniors Katherine Garr and Jolyn Ding will play Division III basketball at Bowdoin College and New York University, respectively. Senior Paul Sapilewski will play Division III soccer at Johns Hopkins University, and senior Arjun Ari will play Division III football at the University of Rochester.

Throughout the recruiting process, these athletes were focused on finding a team that shared their values.

“When I visited Rochester and saw their team play, I loved how everyone on the team supported and cared for each other,” Ari said. “They weren’t just teammates; they were brothers.”

Having each chosen the right school for them, all five of these athletes are looking forward to continuing their athletic journeys collegiately, each with their own goals in mind.

“My goals at Johns Hopkins are to continue to work as hard as possible both academically and athletically,” Sapilewski said.

Although these Pinewood athletes are moving on to the next step of their journey, they will forever cherish the connections they have built throughout their high school years.

“The teammates and people I’ve met have been my best friends, and the coaches are my role models,” Garr said. “I just feel like there have been so many positives in my life from basketball, and it just makes my life better.”

These senior athletes are also reflecting on their favorite memories and experiences with their coaches and teammates.

“I look back on the big games and the emotional moments,” Kuelker said. “I would say senior night was the most memorable time because I got to celebrate my high school career with my team and fellow seniors.”

While Ding is sad to leave these memories in the past, she is looking forward to her next chapter.

“My memories and experiences at Pinewood will always hold a special place in my heart, but I’m also really excited to start fresh and create more memories at the next level,” Ding said.

As they embark on their collegiate careers, they hope to pass on their knowledge and advice to the younger Pinewood athletes.

“At the end of the day, hard work and obsession beats talent,” Ari said. “Goals aren’t given; they are earned.”

“Always have fun and remember why you play,” Kuelker said.