On April 20, four seniors, surrounded by family, friends and teammates, from Barbara Goleman Senior High School, made their commitment to play their sport of choice at their future college at a ceremonial presentation in the office of principal Joaquin Hernandez.
“It is a beautiful and great day at Barbara Goleman,” said Hernandez. “This truly emphasizes the term ‘student athlete’ and shines light on all the accomplishments they have achieved during their high school career.”
Senior softball center fielder Jessica Costero signed her commitment to play at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta where she received an academic scholarship to study Pre-Med.
Costero has been playing since she was five-years-old and was inspired by both her older and younger sisters who also share her passion for softball.
“Agnes Scott is my dream school,” she said. “I discovered the college in middle school and knew I wanted to go there ever since.”
Her parents, Raul and Sam Costero, could not be more proud of their daughter and the opportunities the school provides, both in the academic and athletic realm.
Her father served as one of her coaches.
“It was difficult coaching her sometimes; you’re always harder on your own kids but I always knew she was going to do awesome,” her father said. “I always knew she was going to be a college athlete and continue doing what she loves. I couldn’t be more grateful for Goleman head coach Orlando Barreda and the school for everything they have done for my daughter.”
Goleman’s running back and linebacker Troy Myers is taking his talents to Friends University in Kansas.
He has been playing football since he was 10-years-old and wishes to pursue sports therapy.
Myers expressed how Friends University is the best school for him, and he’s excited to be going there in the fall.
His parents, Satrina Dorsey and Julian Watson, were extremely happy to see the level of success their son has reached.
“I might cry,” said Dorsey. “I’m going to be sad to see him leave but he is so dedicated to football that I know it will be the best for him.”
Goleman’s ace pitcher Ricardo Garcia will be attending Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Minnesota.
Baseball has always been a part of his life, as he watched his older brother play the sport since he was a child.
“I love being a pitcher,” he said. “I feel as though I have control over the game at that position. I have been playing the sport since I was four years old and the school is a great place of opportunity.”
His mother, Jacqueline Alonso, gushed, “I am ecstatic; I know he’s going to go even further. I have always told him it is all about the right place and the right time and about wanting. It is always his choice and I am beyond words that he is able to follow his dreams.”
Goleman’s other ace pitcher Michael Pelaez will be attending the Community College Baltimore in Maryland, where he is planning to study sports management.
Pelaez has been playing baseball since he was four and dreams of playing for the Boston Red Sox.
His parents, Mario and Barbara Pelaez, were beyond thrilled and overwhelmed with emotions as their son signed his scholarship papers.
“There are so many emotions going on right now,” his mother said. “We are excited but sad to see him leave. We are overall very proud and happy for him, though. We always knew he would want to continue playing throughout college and we are blessed he was able to do so.”
Said Mario Pelaez: “I used to coach Michael when he was little and it has been incredible to see him go through the different stages of the sport, to see how a sport has become a lifestyle. It has been truly incredible from start to finish.”
Hernandez summed it up.
“We could not be more proud of our school’s student athletes and the many more successes in their future endeavors as they purse their passions to the next level.”