From early practices to late night training, nine FVHS athletes committed to play at the collegiate level. Jackson Smith as well as Corbin Peacock are playing baseball at Carteret Community College. Joah Booker and Jackson Bordeleon are both continuing their football careers at Campbell University. Raegan Redwine is also continuing her career at Campbell for track. Beckett Coon is playing basketball at Illinois Wesleyan. Nyla Robinson-Patridge is continuing flag football at Winston Salem University. Finally, Jadyn Crews is going to continue tumbling at Duquesne University, and Caroline Dinuzzo will swim at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Joah Booker has had an incredible run on the FVHS varsity football team, playing wide receiver.
“I think continuing my football career at Campbell will definitely help with my mentality. I can become more of a leader,” Booker said. “The biggest adjustment going from high school to college football would probably be my mental state. There are definitely going to be more plays to know, more coverage to learn. It’s definitely going to be a huge responsibility.”
Dinuzzo will be taking her swimming talents about three hours away to Lenior-Rhyne University. Dinuzzo had outstanding achievements at FVHS with her best times being 25.64 in the 50 free and 26.13 in the first split of relay races.
“I love swimming, the atmosphere and the people, so I’m excited to continue it.” Dinuzzo said. “Going from high school to college is definitely going to be a big change, harder practices, more work, but I’m going to approach it with a positive attitude.”
Cruz is continuing her career at Duquesne University where she is going to be on the D1 acrobatics and tumbling team.
“My biggest goal at the collegiate level is to be on the mat as much as possible. Most freshmen don’t compete as much on the mat, but my main goal is to be a power tumbler,” Cruz said. “I’m going to work with my coaches a lot and work in the weight room because it’s still an individual sport.”
Every single one of these athletes has made it their mission to make it to this point, playing at the collegiate level.
“This feels good. I feel like my hard work becomes recognized because I worked my whole life to be at this point,” said Cruz.
From North Carolina all the way to Illinois, FVHS will be cheering on all the committed athletes as they continue their athletic journeys.
