Elijah Hicks, La Mirada’s big-play receiver and kick returner, was not present, having graduated at the end of the fall semester to begin attending classes at his new school, the University of California at Berkeley. In January, Hicks was named the Whittier Daily News All-Area Player of the Year.
“Athletics play an important role in helping our students develop their talents and abilities to become high-achievers both on and off the field, win or lose,” NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian said. “The friendship and camaraderie they develop elevates school spirit and inspires everyone to work harder. Good luck to all of our wonderful student-athletes at their new schools.”
Two sets of teammates will find familiar faces at their new schools –Jonah Uiagalelei Aumua and Jake Bale will play together at the University of Idaho, while Natalie Day and Daisie Flores are both headed to Hawaii Pacific University.
“We are both so excited to be going to Hawaii,” Day said. “Even though we will be far from home, we will still have a piece of home with us.”
The La Mirada Matadores who signed letters of intent:
- Natalie Day – Hawaii Pacific
- Daisie Flores – Hawaii Pacific
- Vanessa Gonzalez – Cal State San Bernardino
- Simone Hardy – Loyola Marymount University
- Gabrielle Hurtado – San Jose State University
- Melissa Torres – Mercy College
- Jonah Uiagalelei Aumua – University of Idaho
- Tristian Meyer – Sacramento State
- Jeremy Clark – University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Trevor Hollock – United States Military Academy at West Point (Army)
- Kobe Toa – Southern Utah University
- Sire Woods – University of Pennsylvania
- Chase Newman – University of Colorado
- Jake Bale – University of Idaho
- Andrew Anderson – Azusa Pacific University
- Phillip Cook – Western New Mexico University
