Hart High holds commitment signing celebration for 11 student-athletes
SANTA CLARITA — Dozens of students, parents, teachers, coaches, and alumni gathered at the entrance to Hart High School’s gym Wednesday afternoon. The group was focused on the student-athletes sitting at tables laid out in front of them.
Hart was hosting a celebration for 11 seniors, from the Class of 2025, who will be making the jump from high school to collegiate athletics in the fall. The destinations range from SoCal staples to Ivy League schools.
The students came from a diverse set of sports, with three from football, two baseball players, a pair of swimmers, a volleyball player, a runner, a tennis player, and a lacrosse prospect.
As each athlete was recognized by the school during the ceremony, the respective coach stepped forward to say a few words. Their themes were consistent. These were students who were not just the best players on their teams, but also tremendously determined athletes, hard-working students, and outspoken leaders who worked not just for themselves but for their teammates and coaches.
The ceremony ended with each athlete signing a document to signify their official commitment to a chosen school.
Football players Zachary Rogozik and Nathan Bellith will stay in Southern California and attend California Lutheran University. Rogozik broke the school’s single-game touchdown record in 2024 with seven touchdowns against Canyon in Hart’s 61-40 victory in October. Bellith, a two-time All-Foothill League first-team selection, will join the Kingsmens’ offensive line. Hart football coach Jake Goosen-Brown praised both athletes for their leadership qualities.
Oliver Welch will play football for the University of Chicago while following his goal of becoming a doctor.
“I trust him completely with my life and I’m sure I will call upon him some day,” Goosen-Brown said while praising Welch’s knowledge both on and off the football field.
Baseball prospects Brady Werther and Luke McCarty will be attending Cal Lutheran and The Master’s University, respectively. Hart coach Brad Meza praised both players for their hard work and versatility on the diamond.
Aly Yokoyama, a standout swimmer for Hart, will attend Cornell University of the Ivy League. Last season she won the 100-yard backstroke crown in the Foothill League and finished second at the CIF-SS Finals.
Julia Lecrivain will attend Biola University in La Mirada. An accomplished individual swimmer and team captain, Lecrivain also acted as the team’s social media manager.
Branden Hubbard will attend Aquinas College in Santa Paula to continue playing volleyball. Volleyball coach Mary Irilian emphasized Hubbard’s commitment to the sport and determination to work through adversity.
Vivian Vega signed for Concordia University in Irvine to continue her lacrosse journey. Vega served the Hawks as a team captain and as their primary offensive threat. She has scored scored the majority of the team’s goals this season.
Sofia Ganshirt will play tennis at the University of Redlands. Hart coach Ramsey Ramirez called her a “shining example of what hard work and dedication can do for anyone.”
Alireza Togangdar will attend Occidental College for cross country and track and field. He is also the founder and president of the Future Coaches of America Club at Hart and will pursue a degree in applied mathematics.