Dos Pueblos High School hosted its fall Sports Signing Day for senior athletes committed to playing at the collegiate level. The event, held Nov. 12 in the gym lobby, featured remarks from Athletics Director Sienna Van Alphen, who introduced each athlete before they signed their commitment letters.

The participating student-athletes were water polo players Ben Fuhrer (12) and Aricin Marshall (12), lacrosse player Linnea Clapinski (12), and softball player Anastasia Brunner (12).

At the start of the second period, the ceremony began with Van Alphen‘s brief speech, saying that “DPHS is proud of these students, and we are happy to see them go play” at the next level. Athletes then signed either their official National Letter of Intent or a ceremonial copy.

Water polo teammates Ben Fuhrer (left) and Aricin Marshall (right) at the signing.

Fuhrer will attend Loyola Marymount University, a four-year Division I program. He has played water polo for six years and started his recruiting process at the beginning of his junior year. At first, he explored the University of California System, but later shifted his criteria.

“Over time, I shifted my approach and was looking more for the specific major that I want to study,” Fuhrer said. “But I mean, any D1 program is a really good,”

Fuhrer said his teammates influenced him most throughout high school.

“It’s a team – you know, we’re all a part of something,” he said. “We’re all contributing to something bigger. It’s always been that way in my mind.”

Marshall will attend Fresno Pacific University, a four-year Division II program. He has played water polo for nearly 10 years, and began considering collegiate play during his sophomore year.

“I kind of realized that it was actually a possibility and I could probably make it happen,” Marshall said.

He said stepping into a higher level of competition feels intimidating but motivating. He’s “glad to stay around the sport” for another four years.

Marshall is currently undecided on his major, but said he looks forward to what the team environment will bring.

“Overall [I want to] have a really good time in my college experience, and be able to play a sport at the next level,” Marshall said.

Brunner will attend Idaho State University, a four-year Division I program. She has played softball since she was eight years old, and said the goal of competing in college became “more real” over time.

“You could say it was like a goal that I could attain, rather than just kind of like a dream,” Brunner said.

She began the recruiting process around the age of 13. Brunner plans to major in education and said Idaho State’s strong teaching program influenced her decision.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is just a really good fit,’” Brunner said.

Brunner cited her “teammates and family” as a major source of inspiration for college. Although she is nervous to leave home, she said she is excited to make new memories.

“I am most excited for making new friendships, memories, and getting to travel with what will hopefully be my closest friends,” Brunner said

She hopes to return home with “joy” in her accomplishments.

“To do a hard thing, then come back and kind of just know that I did something with my life, and I did something hard,” Brunner said.

Clapinski is headed to D’Youville University, a four-year Division II program. She has played since second grade, despite “limited lacrosse opportunities” in Santa Barbara. She created her recruiting profile freshman year, but became fully invested in sophomore year. Clapinski will be majoring in general biology, and many of her family members, including her father, played at a collegiate level.

“I think my dad had a different understanding of how much it takes to be recruited and what it takes,” she said. “He really was my person when I had questions about recruiting and coaches,”

Clapinski said the level of competition makes her nervous, but meeting future teammates helped.

“I love lacrosse for the sport, but I think it’s the people that make your experience,” Clapinski said.

All four athletes shared guidance for younger players aspiring to compete in college.

Clapinski encouraged students to put themselves out there and work to get noticed. Fuhrer emphasized giving “one hundred percent” effort at all times. Marshall advised starting the recruiting process early. Brunner reminded students to stay resilient.

“Try your best and don’t let one bump in the road affect everything else,” Brunner said.

The next signing event will take place in the spring; the date is to be determined. Parents and students are welcome to attend the signing, which will take place in the DPHS gym.