Grand Valley high school athletes sign letters of intent for winter sports

The winter season is a time for celebration and recognition for many high school athletes in the Grand Valley. Several of them have signed letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Here are some of the highlights from the winter signing day.

Fruita Monument Wildcats

Fruita Monument High School had four athletes sign their letters of intent on Wednesday. They are:

Morgan Young, who will play softball at Colorado Mesa University. Young is a four-year varsity starter and a two-time all-conference selection. She helped the Wildcats win the 5A/4A Southwestern League title in 2023.
Kade Bessert, who will play baseball at Colorado Mesa University. Bessert is a three-year varsity starter and a two-time all-conference selection. He was a key contributor to the Wildcats’ run to the 5A state semifinals in 2023.
Mason Rowland, who will play baseball at Colorado Northwestern Community College. Rowland is a two-year varsity starter and an all-conference honorable mention. He was a versatile player who played multiple positions for the Wildcats.
Kylie Wells, who will play volleyball at Colorado Mesa University. Wells is a four-year varsity starter and a three-time all-conference selection. She led the Wildcats in kills, blocks, and hitting percentage in 2023.

Grand Junction Tigers

Grand Junction High School had three athletes sign their letters of intent on Wednesday. They are:

Grand Valley high school athletes

Caden Howe, who will play baseball at Colorado Mesa University. Howe is a four-year varsity starter and a two-time all-conference selection. He was the Tigers’ ace pitcher and a powerful hitter in 2023.
Jaden Stone, who will play baseball at Colorado Northwestern Community College. Stone is a three-year varsity starter and an all-conference selection. He was a reliable catcher and a clutch hitter for the Tigers.
Maddie Filener, who will play soccer at Colorado Mesa University. Filener is a four-year varsity starter and a two-time all-conference selection. She was the Tigers’ leading scorer and a dynamic playmaker in 2023.

Central Warriors

Central High School had two athletes sign their letters of intent on Wednesday. They are:

Kyle Freeburg, who will play baseball at Colorado Mesa University. Freeburg is a four-year varsity starter and a two-time all-conference selection. He was the Warriors’ top pitcher and a consistent hitter in 2023.
Mia Dangler, who will play soccer at Colorado Mesa University. Dangler is a four-year varsity starter and a two-time all-conference selection. She was the Warriors’ captain and a defensive leader in 2023.

Palisade Bulldogs

Palisade High School had one athlete sign his letter of intent on Wednesday. He is:

Frankie Gurule, who will play baseball at Colorado Mesa University. Gurule is a four-year varsity starter and a two-time all-conference selection. He was the Bulldogs’ shortstop and a solid hitter in 2023.

The winter signing day was a proud moment for the athletes, their families, coaches, and schools. They have worked hard to achieve their dreams and goals. They have also represented their teams and communities with excellence and integrity. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.