Gila Ridge sends six kids to play collegiate athletics

These six Hawks are soaring to the next level

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Excitement filled the room as six student-athletes signed their letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Twin sisters Annabella and Aryana Romero will continue playing soccer together at Park University after both said they immediately felt welcomed during their campus visit.

“It was just an amazing experience,” Annabella Romero said. “From the girls to the coaches, there was no negativity. They showed me kind of a day in their life, and it was pretty fun.”

Aryana Romero said the school’s close-knit atmosphere stood out to her.

“Most of the students there are athletes, so everybody’s really close,” Aryana said. “I know I’m going to have people there to back me up and be in my corner.”

The twins said signing together makes the next chapter even more special.

“Being twins, you do everything together,” Aryana Romero said. “We still get to be together, but we also get to grow as individuals because we’re going to be far away from home.”

The other soccer signees included forward Raya Floyd, who signed with Justice College, and defender MJ Linton, who will continue her career at the University of Saint Mary.

Senior swimmer Joey Veraldi also celebrated a longtime dream becoming reality after signing with Ottawa University.

“I always grew up watching Olympic swimmers and NCAA championships,” Veraldi said. “I always wanted to swim at the collegiate level, and now I have that opportunity.”

Veraldi pointed out how Ottawa’s pool helped seal the deal.

“I have a really big thing about pools,” he said. “It’s either a fast pool or a slow pool. It’s a fast pool.”

Rounding out the group was 2024 district champion golfer Trent Karvoski, who signed with Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio.

Karvoski said he fell in love with both the campus and golf course during his visit last September.

“It was greener than green can be,” Karvoski said. “Trees everywhere, big doglegs and waterways — everything you want in a competitive golf course.”

He added that Ohio’s fishing opportunities also played a role in his decision.

“There’s a lot of creeks and lakes up there,” Karvoski said. “I’m excited to get into a different type of fishing and learn fly fishing.”

With new schools, teammates and opportunities ahead, the six athletes now prepare to begin the next stage of their athletic journeys.