Fall Signing Day: Six RRPS athletes commit

RIO RANCHO— A total of six Rio Rancho student-athletes signed their college commitment letters Nov. 13, four from Rio Rancho High School and two from Cleveland High School.

There are at least two more signing days planned this year, according to RRHS athletics director Sal Gonzales. The first will be in February, for the football players. The second will be the Spring Signing Day.

Cleveland High SchoolThe Thunderdome at Cleveland High School was loud on Nov. 13. That’s not uncommon. What was uncommon were the time and the event: 10 a.m. Signing Day.

Students, family, friends, supporters, faculty, college representatives and one Rio Rancho Observer sports reporter packed the center of the gym bleachers to watch two of CHS’s best volleyball players sign their official college commitment letters.

“I’m excited for both of them and for [head coach Charity] Gomez and that program,” said CHS athletics director Matt Martinez. “I think we are in the position we are in because of athletes like them.”

Powerful outsider hitter Ceci Vance signed to play for the Arizona State Sundevils. She graduates in December and will head out to join her new team in January.

“I am a little nervous, but that’s always [going to happen], but I’m super excited for a new start and to meet people I’ll know for a lifetime,” said Vance. “I’m just really excited for new opportunities.”

Middle blocker Kelsey Heffner signed with Sacramento State.

“It feels really good. It’s been a goal for a long time,” Heffner said. “I’m really excited. When I visited [Sacramento State], everyone was so welcoming. It felt like a place I could make my home.”

Storm teammate Emma Wild is making several college visits after the season and will most likely participate in the Spring Signing Day.

“It’s always exciting when we have kids who put in the work and gain that national attention and make that decision to go to the next level; it’s awesome,” said Gomez. “I think they are good role models, and now other girls will say, ‘Hey, I can do that, too.’ And they’ve both put in so much work to get here. I’m so excited to watch them at the next level.”

Rio Rancho High SchoolLater in the day, at 1 p.m. (still an unusual time for a packed gymnasium) the Rio Rancho Rams hosted their Fall Signing Day and saw four of their athletes sign letters.

Three Ram softball players signed their commitment letters. Olivia Chavez signed with Benedictine College. Destiny Gonzalez signed with Snow Community College, and Marissa Valdez signed with Grayson College.

“I think it’s fantastic. I think all three of them made great choices to continue their education and get to continue to play [softball],” said Ram softball head coach Paul Kohman. “I think every one of them will do well where they’re heading to.”

Additionally, Ram soccer player Santana Solano signed with New Mexico Highlands University.

“I’m really excited for any kid who gets to sign and go play college sports,” said Gonzales. “It’s been really nice to see the girls play over the last couple of years and see them grow. This is one of my favorite things to do here at Rio Rancho High School.”