Seniors Julia Glanz and Lizzy Lyons sign National Letters of Intent

Rebecca AsoulinStaff WriterSeniors Julia Glanz and Lizzy Lyons signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, Feb. 2, as their teammates, coach, friends, families and administrators looked on proudly. The “National Letter of Intent” certifies that a student athlete will attend an institution for at least one academic year. Lyons will be attending Fresno State and Glanz will be heading to the University of Arizona next fall. Both will be receiving full scholarships.“This is a very proud moment for me and for Glanz and Lyons and for our school,” Samo principal Dr. Hugo Pedroza said.This is an immense honor for both Lyons and Glanz. The National Letter of Intent is a legally binding contract and any athlete who decides not to attend the university to which he or she has committed is not permitted to play that sport at any other university for a full academic year.Despite the daunting commitment, Glanz and Lyons seemed confident about their choices. They were overflowing with pride and joy — albeit a little nervous — as they signed their letters and donned attire from their future schools.“I am a little scared of the change and being so far away from the people I care about, but I am so excited because it has been my goal to play at college level since I was five years old. I’m ready,” Lyons said.Glanz has no definite soccer plans after college, but Lyons has goals that she has been yearning to accomplish since she was a little girl.“I am hoping to play for my country, Mexico, either professionally or on the Olympic team,” Lyons said.Lyons, who also runs track, has only played on the varsity team for two years. Glanz has played since she was a freshman. Both players are invaluable members of this year’s team.“Their passion for soccer sparks everyone’s passion, and we really come together as a team,” captain Nicole Lettiere said.Both Glanz and Lyons are leaders, top scorers and role models to their fellow teammates.“It shows you what you can get to in life and that it is achievable,” freshman Cheyenne De Los Reyes said.But as coach Jimmy Chapman reminded the girls in his speech at the signing ceremony this year, this season is far from over.“Parents, friends, and random passing people in the hallway,” Chapman said, “this is an important honor and recognition. This is a new chapter in their lives, but let’s make the most of this year; it is fleeting and we have much more unfinished business to attend to, both on the field and in the classroom.”rasoulin@thesamohi.com