After years of commitment to their sports, three seniors – Bella Heideman, Avery Tripp, and Grady Lenn – signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to their school on Wed., Dec 3, in the auditorium.
Bella Heideman, who ran a 19:01.3 personal best in the 5000 meters at the Shorewood cross country course on Oct. 25, will be signing with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida — a Division I school in the ASUN conference.
“I’m really excited,” said Heideman. “My friends and family, like today, continue to show up for support.”
Asking about cross country co-coach Chris Hendricks’ opinion on how Heideman left a mark on De Pere athletics, he said, “Bella is a role model among our athletes for what time and effort can amount to. Her positive attitude has left an indelible mark on our program, one that will not be replaced, but instead kept close and serve as a reminder of what happens when athletes give everything they have, to not only themselves but those around them.”
Another athlete, Avery Tripp, a two-year starter for the Redbirds who helped them win a WIAA regional volleyball championship this fall, will be signing to Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa.
“I’m overall proud of her,” said Leticia Rios, a friend. “I’m happy that she’s deciding to continue volleyball and found something she really likes doing.”
We asked Tripp’s coach about her playstyle and importance to the team.
“Avery is an intense player who wants to win, and her drive to compete showed in practice and games,” De Pere coach Greg Bosetski said. “She held herself and teammates to a high standard. It was a true example of iron sharpening iron, and that focus drove our team to compete at a higher level.”
Waldorf is affiliated with the Great Plains Athletic Association (GPAC), a conference associated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Grady Lenn, a three-time state champion in cross country and track, signed with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to run cross country.
“As a freshman who was new to the sport of cross country, he came in with natural talent and a strong desire to learn,” co-coach Jackie Joseph said. “It quickly became evident through his discipline and steady work ethic that Grady was going to transform into an exceptional athlete. There is no doubt these qualities will continue to fuel his success.”
Photos by Jayclee Sonnier, Anna Crabbe
