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Committing to play for Mississippi State, Hollister High School softball first baseman Taylor Faga participated in the school’s Signing Day ceremony on May 13. Joining Faga were eight other student athletes, including two of her former teammates.
The ceremony took place at the Mattson Gym in the presence of more than 200 family members, coaches, friends and peers. It included family members who, seated facing each student athlete, captured the moment by taking photos and videos of the speeches.
Signing Day is when athletes officially sign a letter of intent committing to a college’s program.
Like all the student athletes, Faga thanked her family, friends and coaches for supporting her throughout her journey.
When thanking her grandparents, Faga said, “I know you taught me so much, but the main thing you taught me is that it takes a village not only to grow up but to become the athlete and person that I am today.”
Faga, who intends to pursue a degree in sports management, will be joining a team that is currently ranked 20th in the nation and last season made the NCAA tournament for the 20th straight year.
Student athletes who participated in the ceremony:
- Daniella Arias, golf, Willamette University
- Salvatore Felice, football, University of Laverne
- Nola White, softball, Huston-Tillotson University
- Daniela Orsetti, volleyball, University of Redlands
- Ashlee Io, softball, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Avery Chavez, softball, CSU Monterey Bay
- Matthew Perez, wrestling, Schreiner University,
- Zamaya Rivera, soccer, UC Merced
- Taylor Faga, softball, Mississippi State
Zamaya Rivera. Photo by Noe Magaña. 
Daniella Arias walking into the Signing Day ceremony. Photo by Noe Magaña. 
Daniela Orsetti. Photo by Noe Magaña. 
Salvatore Felice thanks his family, coaches and teammates. Photo by Noe Magaña. 
Nola White. Photo by Noe Magaña. 
Ashlee Io. Photo by Noe Magaña. 
Student-athletes pose for a group photo. Photo by Noe Magaña. 
Avery Chavez (center) taking photos with family. Photo by Noe Magaña. 
Matthew Perez posing with his family. Photo by Noe Magaña.
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