Nine NHS athletes commit to compete at the collegiate level

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Niwot High School honored nine standout athletes during its Fall Signing Day ceremony. Held in the Commons during lunch, the event celebrated those Cougars committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Surrounded by teammates, coaches, family, and friends, the athletes celebrated their accomplishments and looked ahead to the exciting next chapter of their lives.

Kianna Butler signed with Metropolitan State University of Denver to play softball. A dominant pitcher for Niwot, Butler earned First Team All-State honors in Class 4A and First Team All-Conference recognition in the Granite Peaks League. Butler transferred to Niwot her junior and senior years after beginning high school in Flagstaff, Arizona, and left her mark with an impressive 2.12 earned run average and 387 strikeouts. She also played club softball for Triple Crown Fastpitch.

Lucy Connors committed to Bucknell University in Pennsylvania to play lacrosse. As captain of the Mead High School girls lacrosse team, the St. Vrain Valley School District's only team, Connors achieved First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference honors during her junior season. She was also named the 2024 BoCoPreps.com Female Athlete of the Year. She boasts 106 goals over her sophomore and junior seasons and played a pivotal role in the team's 2023 4A State Championship and 2024 State Runner-Up titles. Connors played club lacrosse for Denver Pride and will lead the Mead team this spring in her final high school season.

Izzy Fay signed with California State University, Bakersfield, for diving. A standout on Niwot's girls swim and dive team, Fay made history as the first diver in the St. Vrain Valley School District to win a state championship, taking the top spot in the 2024 4A State Dive Championship. Her accomplishments earned her the 2024 Times-Call Swimmer of the Year honor. Fay will defend her title during her senior season this winter.

Anne Haley committed to Colorado College for volleyball. A four-year varsity starter for Niwot, Haley recorded 2,599 assists, 134 aces, and 220 kills during her high school career. She earned 2023 First Team All-Conference honors and was named 2023 4A Honorable Mention All-State. This year, Haley was named "Setter of the Year" in the Granite Peaks Conference, and earned First Team All-Conference honors. Haley also played club volleyball for NORCO Volleyball.

Eliana Henriques signed with Clemson University for track and field. A versatile sprinter and jumper for Niwot, Henriques helped secure state championships in the 4x200 and 4x400 meter relays in 2024. She earned 4A All-State First Team and multiple All-Conference honors in relays and the long jump. Henriques will return for her senior season this spring.

Reese Kasper committed to Kansas State University for track and field. Kasper is a triple state champion, claiming titles in the 300 meter hurdles, 4x200 meter relay, and 4x400 meter relay at the 2024 4A State Championships. A standout hurdler, she earned 4A All-State First Team honors in relays and hurdles. Kasper's senior season promises more impressive performances this spring.

Mahuiztli Martinez signed to Casper College in Wyoming to play soccer. A key player for the Niwot girls team, Martinez looks forward to making an impact at the collegiate level after her final high school season in the spring.

Kenji McCracken committed to Metropolitan State University of Denver for soccer. McCracken played for Niwot during his freshman and sophomore seasons before focusing on club soccer with Real Colorado. His dedication to the sport paid off as he now takes his talents to the next level.

Jade West signed with the University of Wyoming for track and field. West is a back-to-back state champion in shot put, adding the discus title to her resume in 2024. She was named to the 4A All-State First Team and All-Conference First Team in both events. West aims to close out her high school career with another dominant season in the spring.

The achievements of these nine athletes reflect the commitment, talent, and hard work of the Cougar athletic program participants.

Congratulations to all the signees and best of luck as they represent Niwot on the collegiate stage!