The smell of sweat. A bond that could never be broken. The rush of victory. These moments are relished, by young athletes. Over the course of their high school years, our Milford athletes rise above expectations and entwine themselves in different athletic programs. Out of all of those who play, only some go on to continue their athletic careers in college. From the graduating class of 2018, three athletes have decided to share their stories and goals about continuing athletics within their college careers.

Madeline (Maddie) Appleton has played volleyball ever since she can remember. Back in April of this year, Appleton committed to Hofstra University as a libero.

“Since I’m a libero, [the recruiting process] really started in probably my freshman and sophomore year. My dad kind of sent out a mass number of emails to a bunch of different colleges saying ‘if you’re interested in me, hey,’ just to get a feel of where I stood in the volleyball world.”

For Appleton, committing to Hofstra was an easy choice.

“First of all, it’s on Long Island, New York which is really exciting. Second off, when I went to go visit them, everyone was really welcoming and it seemed like a good fit; I felt at home on campus. Third off, I think it’s really cool that a lot of the girls on the team are from overseas.”

Appleton aspires to play professional volleyball once she graduates college. Here in the United States, we do not have professional volleyball teams, therefore Appleton is looking forward to experience playing with girls from all areas of the world. Guided by their Brazilian coach, the Hofstra volleyball team is one of the strongest in Colonial Athletic Association, going 21-11 last year. . Appleton thanked her coaches and parents for the many supported and successful years playing volleyball. She is excited to take her experiences with her into the future.

Kyle Soderberg is new to Milford High School, but not new to the game of basketball.  Soderberg has been playing basketball for 13, going on 14 years. For the love of his game, he transferred from Lakeland High School to Milford High School in the midst of his junior year.  Although he is not quite sure what college he will attend this fall, he is sure that basketball will remain a constant in his life. “Basketball is something that I’ve done my whole life, I want to keep it going. I don’t want it to end,” Soderberg says. For any athletes who plan to continue their athletic career in college, Soderberg recommends to reach out to colleges early instead of waiting for them to express interest in you. The earlier you start the process of looking at colleges, and what they’ll offer you, the better.

Aiden Warzecha, fellow Milford basketball player, is still undecided about whether he would like to continue his athletic career in college. Within his interview, Warzecha leaned in favor of the possibility, expressing, “I love the game too much to give up on it because I’m a competitive person and it keeps me competitive. I don’t think I could go without it.” Despite the uncertainty in athletics, Warzecha is positive that he would like to go into business at a school with updated facilities and a strong business program. When considering a school, academics will be put first in his choice. For anyone seeking to continue their athletic career in college, Warzecha says, “Definitely commit and work hard to try to play at the next level because I feel in the long run you’ll be happy to have that option to continue the game that you love to play.”

As can be seen with these three athletes, sports become a part of one’s identity. College is a time of change. Do our young athletes want to keep their athletic identities as they continue into college? Whether certain or uncertain in this question, Milford High School wishes its young athletes luck in all their future endeavors. Go Mavericks!