In the third National Signing Day ceremony of the 2025-2026 academic year, Orange Lutheran celebrated 12 student athletes from across nine sports as they made their commitments to compete at the collegiate level.

Family and friends gathered in the Ellwein Center to honor the senior Lancers' accomplishments and were welcomed by Orange Lutheran Assistant Principal of Athletics Jon Spencer.

"What a wonderful day it is to celebrate these amazing young men and women on reaching their goal to compete at the next level," said Spencer. "This accomplishment speaks so much to your character in remaining diligent and disciplined to hard work to achieve this goal. You've gotten it done in the classroom and invested so much in your athletic pursuits. We in the Athletics Department and across campus are so proud of each one of you… What I want to encourage our student athletes today is to remain steadfast in the Lord as he will always carry you through. Never forget that his love is abundant and unconditional."

Football

Auma Jennings

Lancer senior Auma Jennings will be continuing his football career at San Jose State University. The four-time 1st Team All-Trinity League defensive lineman played nearly every snap of his OLu career.

"I think what his teammates would tell you about him is he exudes love and friendship and relationship," said coach Rod Sherman. "When the most physical guy on your team can be physical in games but also can love his teammates, there really is nothing more special than that."

Sherman shared how Jennings' arrival at OLu changed the football program culture and that the four-year varsity player was a strong representative two of the program's core values – love and toughness.

"I first want to thank God for blessing me with the strength, discipline and opportunity to reach this point in my football career," said Jennings. "I am beyond grateful to my parents for their constant sacrifices, love and belief in me, even when the journey was tough. To my Aunt Millie, Aunt Kharyssa, and my sister, thank you for your prayers, encouragement and unwavering support every step of the way. I also want to thank my coaches for pushing me to be my best, holding me accountable and helping shape me into the athlete and person I am today. None of this would be possible without God placing these people in my life."

Hunter Schnakenberg

Lancer senior Hunter Schnakenberg has committed to playing football for Southern University. The All-League player switched positions from safety to outside linebacker his senior season.

"What he decided to do in the offseason was just work, spend time with his coaches, and went from playing junior varsity football as a junior to being an incredibly impactful starter and member of our team," said Sherman. "Hunter, I want to encourage you. Every great hero of the faith has gone through a forging process, and I can't wait to watch your future to see what God continues to do with you. You are a gifted young man, a gifted leader. Thank you for blessing Orange Lutheran."

Schnakenberg expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him in achieving this next step in his playing career.

"I want to thank God first, his unconditional love and faithfulness have brought me to where I am," said Schnakenberg. "Without him, none of us would be able to live our dreams that we have had since we were little kids. Next, I want to thank my family – mom, dad, Malachi, Zypher and Savannah, who have stood in my corner every step of the way to get me to the next stage. They have pushed me, taught me and shown me the path to excellence, to never settle for anything, and to always achieve more. Our journey is not done yet; it has just begun. I want to also thank the entire OLu coaching staff and Ms. (Laulhere). Without these amazing coaches and mentors, none of this would be possible. Although they may not have believed my ability was up to standards or good enough when I first transferred in, they have all worked endless hours to help perfect my craft and build me into a player and a man of God. I will always be grateful to everyone along my journey to help me get to this point. It wasn't easy, but that's what makes it fun. Thank you to everyone."

Jackson Venator

Senior offensive lineman Jackson Venator has signed to play football for the United States Air Force Academy. Sherman spoke of Venator's path from a freshman player on the freshman team to a college athletics commitment.

"I believe his true character shown through in who he was and his commitment to work," said Sherman. "He just plain worked his tail off. Over the past year, he worked himself into being a Division I offensive lineman, a fierce competitor. It's one of the most exciting and memorable stories I'll ever have in my coaching life. These are the types of young men that we desire to serve our country."

An All-League honorable mention, Venator is grateful to those in his support system who helped him take this next step.

"I want to start by thanking God for blessing me with the opportunity, strength and guidance to reach this point in my athletic journey," said Venator. "I'm beyond grateful for my family, who have supported me every step of the way and believed in me even when things got tough. Thank you to my coaches for pushing me to be better on and off the field and helping shape me into the athlete and person I am today. I couldn't have done this without the love, sacrifice and support of everyone around me. All glory to God as I take this next step forward."

Women's Golf

Charlene Woo

Lancer golfer Charlene Woo will be continuing her playing career at Claremont McKenna College where she will compete for the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athenas. Woo came to OLu as a junior transfer, and that same year was the 2024 Trinity League MVP and part of the school's first CIF-SS Division 1 championship team.

"She's fiercely competitive on the course, but even more important, she strives for nothing less than perfection in the classroom," said OLu girls golf head coach Dustin Boburka. "Charlene is an individual who's dedicated to her faith, and to hear her talk about how and why she plays golf goes to the type of person that she is and will be. She understands that her abilities in golf are attributed to the gift that her Lord and Savior have given her. She understands that the Lord has put her in a situation that she can bring people to Christ with that infectious smile and her incredible golf game. She knows that every time she steps on the golf course, she's representing her family and her school, but more importantly, her Lord and Savior."

A 1st Team All-League honoree, Woo is grateful to God and all those who have helped her become the athlete and person she is today.

"I would like to thank my parents for everything they have done and for all they have sacrificed for me," said Woo. "I truly would not be who I am today without them. I am also incredibly grateful to my coaches and friends who have made this journey unforgettable and helped me become the best version of myself. I could not have accomplished all that I did without you. And above all, thank you to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for everything begins and ends with Him."

Women's Rowing

Kameron Kim

Lancer senior Kameron Kim has committed to the women's rowing program at Northeastern University. Kim is a coxswain and competes for Newport Aquatic Center.

"It has been such a privilege to see her grow and train and compete the last three years," said Kim's coach at NAC Madison Byrd. "Coxswain is a pretty daunting role when you're speaking to a new group of eight or four girls every single day of practice. Kam has handled that with extreme grace and a lot of intense competition. We're just so proud of you and excited for all that's ahead of you at Northeastern."

Kim is excited for this next chapter and is grateful to those who have been instrumental in helping her achieve her goals.

"I am beyond grateful to have such a supportive and loving community with people who have helped me reach this amazing opportunity," said Kim. "I would like to especially thank my parents, coaches, teachers and friends who have supported me along the way."

Women's Soccer

Joey Birkbeck

Varsity soccer player Joey Birkbeck will be continuing her playing career at Boise State University. A team captain for the Lancers, Birkbeck led the team in goals and assists last season. 

"Joey has helped bring consistency and stability," said OLu girls soccer head coach Luis Segovia. "Always steady, calm and confident. Leads by example every day. Teammates respect her leadership and work ethic. Joey's favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:5, 'God is within her. She will not fall.' This verse reflects who Joey is; strong, fearless and confident in her purpose. We're incredibly proud of you, Joey. Thank you for your commitment to the program. I'm excited for your future at Boise State."

Birbeck is a 1st All-League, All-County and All-State honoree and expressed her gratitude to her family and everyone who supported her in achieving her goal of competing at the collegiate level.

"Thank you Dad, Mom, siblings, friends and Coaches Segovia, Camargo, Salazar and Bubba," said Birkbeck.

Brookelynn Vanderkallen

Lancer senior Brookelynn Vanderkallen has committed to playing soccer for North Greenville University. The two-year varsity player is a multi-sport athlete, having also played flag football for OLu.

"Brookelynn is an amazing human being," said Segovia. "Always uplifting, brings great energy, and is a joy to be around. She has been a positive voice on our team, the team loves being around her and coaches appreciate her attitude and work ethic. Brookelynn's favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, 'Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Don't be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' This verse reflects Brookelynn's spirit, faith and strength. We're proud of you."

Vanderkallen is thankful for those in her support system who helped her take this next step.

"I am beyond grateful to my family, friends, coaches and God for guiding me every step of this journey," said Vanderkallen. "Your love, sacrifices, prayers and belief in me pushed me to keep going, even when things got hard. This dream would not be possible without the constant support system I am so blessed to have. I thank God for His unfailing love and grace that carried me to this day."

Softball

Cate Medvitz

Lancer catcher Cate Medvitz will be continuing her softball career at the University of North Dakota. The four-year varsity player is an All-League selection and a power hitter for OLu, having driven in 23 runs for the Lancers last season. She's also a part of OLu's flag football program. 

"Cate works really well with our pitchers," said OLu softball head coach Steve Miklos. "She's got a very strong arm and is a great defensive catcher. Offensively, she's a power hitter, big bat, left-handed hitter. You'll find her in the heart of our lineup… I would like to thank Cate's parents for letting her attend Orange Lutheran, as she's been an asset to our program and truly represents what it is to be a student athlete. The softball coaches at North Dakota are getting a hard-working and dedicated player who's always striving to improve her game."

Medvitz excels in the classroom with a 4.58 GPA and will be studying aerospace engineering at North Dakota.

"I would like to start by thanking God for giving me the opportunity to play softball and for guiding me on the path to my future school," said Medvitz. "Next, I would like to thank my family for all the support and love they have given me through my life and my softball career so far. I'd also like to thank Coach Ken and Marlese for helping me along the way as I committed to such an amazing school."

STUNT

Dior Gutierrez

Senior STUNT athlete Dior Gutierrez will be continuing her athletic career at the University of Kentucky. A two-time All-League selection, Gutierrez joined OLu's STUNT program as a tumbler and is now an advanced-level base.

"Dior is an absolute firecracker," said OLu STUNT head coach Shannon May. "She's full of life, laughter and passion for this sport. From the moment she joined our program, she made her presence known in the best way possible… What stands out most about Dior isn't just her athletic talent, it's how much she cares. She takes the game seriously, and shows up every single day ready to give her all. She pushes herself and her teammates to be better, to work harder and to never settle. And she does it all while keeping things fun and light-hearted. That's the magic of Dior. Her growth in this program has been incredible to watch."

Gutierrez is grateful to God, her family and her coaches for helping her become the athlete and person she is today.

"I want to thank God for guiding my path and blessing me with the strength to get here," said Gutierrez. "I am incredibly grateful to my parents for their constant love, support and sacrifices. Thank you to my previous coaches for believing in me, pushing me and helping me grow. A special thank you to Mrs. May for always encouraging me and supporting my journey. I wouldn't be here without all of you."

Men's Volleyball

Josiah Trautman

Lancer volleyball player Josiah Trautman will be continuing his playing career at Vanguard University. Trautman joined OLu's program as middle blocker but took on the challenge of changing positions, and as a result, he elevated his game.

"Josiah is an incredible talent, but what really sets him apart is his passion for this sport," said OLu boys volleyball assistant coach Jared Shirai on behalf of head coach Henry Valiente. "You can see it in the way he competes. You can feel it in the gym. He plays with his heart. He plays with intensity. And he plays with a love for the game that makes everyone around him better. He is one of the most coachable players I've had the privilege of working with. He takes feedback and applies it, and he comes back better for it every time. That's the mark of a great athlete, and an even a better student of the game."

The four-year varsity player led the team in blocks and hitting percentage and was part of the Lancers' 2025 CIF-SS Division 3 finalist team.

"Thank you to my parents for always supporting me and giving me all the resources I could ever need to succeed," said Trautman. "Thank you to all the teammates I've ever had for pushing me and sharpening me to be the best teammate I could be. Thank you to all my coaches over the years who shaped me and gave me insight to be the best player I could be."

Men's Water Polo

Matteo Tortoc

Senior Lancer Matteo Tortoc has committed to play water polo for Chapman University. The two-year varsity player helped lead the Lancers to the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs this past season.

"Mateo embodies everything that you would hope for a student athlete," said OLu boys water polo JV coach Anderson Prior on behalf of head coach Joe Molina. "He is driven, intelligent and carries himself with humility and integrity. He works for his set, but his work ethic sets a standard every day, and his understanding of the game reflects his passion for the sport… I genuinely believe that what this team has accomplished this past year would not have been possible without his experience, leadership and unwavering dedication. He led not just through his performance, but through his example, holding himself and his teammates to a higher standard."

Tortoc is grateful to those in his support system who helped him take this next step to compete at the collegiate level.

"I want to first thank my family for always supporting me throughout my water polo career," said Tortoc. "I would not be here without them. Next, I would like to thank my coaches, who pushed me to be my very best and helped me develop my overall skills for my water polo career.  Lastly, I would like to thank my teammates and friends for helping me become who I am today and for always picking me up whenever I fail."

Women's Water Polo

Estelle Karaba

Lancer water polo player Estelle Karaba will be continuing her playing career at Princeton University. The four-year varsity player and All-League honoree is a two-time CIF-SS and State champion with the Lancers.

"Estelle is an incredible leader both in and out of the water, and most importantly, she leads by putting the team first," said OLu girls water polo head coach Melissa Seidemann. "She is a relentless competitor who plays with toughness, purpose, heart and is always mindful of those around her. Estelle believes in herself, she loves learning, and she lives out persistence and integrity in a way that reflects her faith without aiming to preach it. She leads by example, stewarding her gifts well through how she competes, how she leads, and how she treats others."

Karaba thanked her support system for guiding her to this next chapter.

"I'd first like to thank my family for their constant support: Mom, Dad, Sophie and Stan," said Karaba. "I wouldn't be able to do this without you. Thank you, Coach Brenda and Coach Mel, for all that you've done to get me here and to my coaches at Princeton, Bella and Derek. None of this would have been possible without the love, kindness and motivation that my teammates show me every single day. Go Tigers!"