Eight Gila Ridge athletes advance their athletic careers with letter of intent signings

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Several student-athletes from Gila Ridge High School are taking the next step in their academic and athletic careers, as eight Hawks officially signed their letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level.

Football standouts Drew Caudle and Prentes Boxx III will continue their careers in California. Boxx, who powered the Hawks' ground game, is set to join Feather River College in Quincy, while Caudle, who finished tenth in Arizona in sacks, will take his defensive dominance to Ventura College.

"I like the California football programs and I definitely enjoy the beach too," Caudle said.

Boxx cited the program's identity as a major factor in his decision.

"The coaching staff, I really like them," he said. "They're a dominant football team, really run heavy...I'm a little nervous. I'm definitely excited to get out of Yuma, but I'm just ready to go ball at the next level."

On the volleyball court, twin sisters Aubrie and Addison Wright are preparing to continue their careers at different schools after years of playing side by side. Aubrie will attend Mesa Community College, while Addison is headed to MiraCosta College in California.

"On the court, competitiveness, and off the court, I really wanna make some friendships and have a team as a family," Aubrie said.

Addison echoed a similar sentiment about team culture.

"Hoping I bring a lot of energy because I love having a fun team and a friendly team and just having a bunch of people to go to," she said.

Despite their excitement, both acknowledged the challenge of going separate ways for the first time.

"I think it'll be pretty hard. We've always been on the same team, always been on the court together," Aubrie said. "So first time not being on the court and not the same team is definitely, gonna be a big adjustment."

Addison added, "I'm a little sad because it's gonna be weird without a twin and having someone there with me all the time because we've started volleyball together...we started everything together."

In softball, Kiera Espinoza and Alexis Figueroa will remain teammates as they head to Glendale Community College. The duo is focused on finishing their high school season strong while looking ahead to their shared future.

"On the field, my competitiveness, my off the field, I'm a good person to talk to," Figueroa said.

Espinoza emphasized her offensive strengths saying, "I'm hoping to bring my big bat because I do have a big bat, sometimes, and I'm really hoping that I carry that over from here to there to elevate my career more."

Both players are especially excited to continue their journey together.

"Excited, so excited to start a new chapter with my best friend," Figueroa said.

"I'm so excited because she's one of my best friends, and now that we're gonna be roommates, it's just gonna be a lot more fun," Espinoza added.

Additional Hawks are also preparing for collegiate competition. Peyton Waymire will join Feather River College, while Kara Espino is set to attend Phoenix College.

"Phoenix College actually contacted me. They came to almost every single one of my games and they had a great program," Espino said. "They use the bat that I like and then the coach was really nice and just helped me out."

Waymire is focused on making an immediate impact at the next level.

"To my team, [I want to be] someone that can lead and be a big contributor to the team and our games," she said.