For the 2023-2024 school year here at Apex, we had a total of eight student-athletes sign with a college for next year. We had three baseball players, two swimmers, two volleyball players, and one soccer player. Getting to this point in one’s life as a student-athlete is a proud accomplishment and a significant moment. When asked about their college of choice and how the students got to this level, here is how they responded. 

Bella Linberger and Mia Hazlett are two seniors on Apex High School’s varsity volleyball. Both girls signed with a college on signing day; here are the details. 

Bella Linberger– “I decided to sign with Tennessee Tech because I enjoy the environment of the area and there are good relationships between the players. To get to this level, you have to put in the work. Colleges don’t necessarily come and get you, you need to put yourself out there.” 

Mia Hazlett- “I signed with George Mason because of how welcoming everyone was and how supportive the coaches are. Getting to this level in my athletic career came from practicing multiple times a week as well as finding a perfect sport for me.” 

We had three of our baseball players, Will Newton, Chase Klingeman, and Cranz Smelcer sign with schools. 

Will Newton- “I wanted to sign with Stonehill University because I think it is the best fit for me; I love the coaching staff and the whole team. You definitely need to be working seven days a week and giving it all your best.”

Cranz Smelcer- “I decided to sign with the Air Force Academy because flying is a passion of mine, and it’s a great fit for me. Getting to this point in my life was all because of working as hard as I could. For aspiring athletes, it is very important you stay dedicated to your sport.”

Chase Klingeman- “I chose to sign with UNC Asheville because of the atmosphere and location, which I preferred to the other schools. It took a lot of dedication and extracurriculars to get to sign with this school.” 

Two of our female swimmers have also signed with a university. 

Katya Ivanov- “NC State was the best choice for me because of its amazingly fast swim team and the family-friendly environment.  Swimming takes a lot of dedication and waking up early, so you need to put in the work.”

Marisa White- “I love the swim program at the University of New Hampshire, and the coaches are amazing. This university also has a very good environmental science program and I am excited to be somewhere new. Swimming takes a lot of work, so being able to sign up with this school is from working and dedicating the majority of my time to swimming.” 

Only one of our boy’s soccer players signed with a school this year, Luc Lavielle. 

Luc Lavielle- “I chose Campbell University because the campus is awesome, and I admire everything they do there. If you want to make it to this level, you have to put in a lot of effort and stay consistent.”    

We are so proud of our student-athletes who signed with schools this fall semester! We wish everyone luck on their continuing sports journey.