To celebrate the final Athletic Signing Day event for the 2025-2026 academic year, Orange Lutheran hosted two ceremonies at the Ellwein Center on May 13, 2026, to celebrate 19 student athletes who have made commitments to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

In the first ceremony, OLu recognized nine senior athletes from across six sports. Assistant Principal of Athletics Jon Spencer welcomed family and friends in attendance to honor the Lancers' achievements. 

"There are three words I always look for in every athlete, which every one of these athletes holds, and that's hard work, determination, and patience," said Spencer. "They work through a process here at Orange Lutheran to develop to be the best athlete they possibly can be. As we celebrate today, I hope that we all can recognize the hard work that's gone into it for each one of these athletes here… And as they continue to go to the next step, we pray for each one of these young athletes that the Lord would just bless them and continue to be the focal point of everything they do."

Cheer

Luke Matos

Lancer senior Luke Matos has committed to Westcliff University and will join their nationally ranked co-ed cheer team. The varsity athlete's strong work ethic and willingness to keep developing his skills made him an integral part of OLu's cheer program.

"Luke leads with a kind heart, he cares deeply about the people around him, and he brings an upbeat energy that makes every practice, game, and team moment better," said OLu cheer head coach Amanda Bonilla. "He is the definition of a team player, someone who encourages others, works hard without needing recognition, and consistently shows up ready to grow… No matter the challenge, he approaches it with humility, determination, and a desire to become the best version of himself, both on and off the mat."

Matos is grateful to his support system for helping him realize this next step in his academic and athletic journey.

"I just want to say how blessed I am for this opportunity," said Matos. "I want to thank my teammates and my coaches for welcoming me to the team and teaching me this wonderful sport. I want to thank Coach Amanda for inspiring me to be a better athlete and person. You've truly been the best leader and coach I could've ever had. Finally, I want to thank my family for supporting me and always encouraging me to just go for it."

Rugby

Makai Harris

One of three Lancers to commit to play rugby at the collegiate level, Makai Harris has signed with Saint Mary's College of California. The four-year varsity player and senior captain has played the game from a young age and has been part of a number of championship teams over his time in the sport.

"It's been a long road with plenty of ups and downs, but during that journey, (Makai has) gained the confidence he needed to play at the next level," said OLu rugby coach Jay Harris. "He found his feet, developed into a strong competitor, teammate and captain, and has definitely found his confidence in becoming the person he is today. More importantly, Makai's journey has been about steady growth, commitment, and his genuine love for the game."

Harris looks forward to this next chapter and appreciates everyone who has played a meaningful role in helping him reach his goals.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for his endless love and support for me and for growing me in my faith over the years," said Harris. "I would also like to thank my mom and dad for all the hard work and effort they have put into me to help me become the person and player I am today. Also, I would like to thank all my coaches, teammates, and friends for supporting me along this journey and backing me up every step of the way. I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity."

Josh Paquette

Lancer rugby player Josh Paquette has committed to continuing his athletic career at the University of Utah. New to rugby his freshman year at OLu, Paquette's dedication, perseverance, and reliability earned him a starting role his senior year.

"Josh improved and earned the respect of his coaches and teammates through his consistency in the game," said Harris. "What makes this moment special is not just the opportunity to play rugby at this level, but the journey it took to get here. Josh's success is a reflection of discipline, commitment, and the attitude that's needed to take the next step."

The three-year varsity player led the Lancers in tackles this year, and is grateful to everyone who encouraged and guided him as he reached this important milestone.

"I would like to thank my family for supporting me throughout the past four years," said Paquette. "I would also like to thank my teammates and friends for inspiring me to be better every day. Special thanks to my dad for being at every single game, no matter what."

Noah Tuiolosega

Lancer senior and two-year rugby team captain Noah Tuiolosega will be playing next season for Penn State University. The four-year varsity player is the program leader in tackles, tries, and points. 

"Over the years, Noah has grown into an outstanding player, athlete, and teammate," said Harris. "He's been part of multiple championship teams, travelled the world, and showed incredible versatility by succeeding in multiple positions on the field. What has always stood out most is his high IQ, his understanding of the game, his decision making, and ability to lead. Noah has earned this opportunity through years of commitment, discipline, hard work, and perseverance."

Tuiolosega looks forward to what's ahead and is thankful for the family, friends, coaches, and mentors who helped him achieve this next step. 

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank the Lord for his endless blessings and opportunities," said Tuiolosega. "Thank you to my parents and my sister for always showing love and supporting me in everything I do. Thank you to all my coaches and trainers for the time and energy you put into me and for providing the tools I need to become a better athlete. Lastly, thank you to all my teammates for always keeping me accountable and pushing me to be a better version of myself."

Men's Soccer

Anthony Raymondo

Lancer senior Anthony Raymondo will be continuing his soccer career at Trevecca Nazarene University. The four-year varsity player and transfer student has been an integral part the recent success of OLu's boys soccer program.

"Anthony's biggest trait that I loved about him so much was his selflessness, his servant leadership," said OLu boys soccer head coach Mike Oseguera. "Anything I ever asked of him, anything that we needed done on the pitch, any position played, Anthony was open to it and would go on there with selfless dedication to accomplish the task… He put in the hard work to make it so that the other players had opportunities to be successful. And through that selflessness, through that dedication and hard work, he was able to achieve his own dreams of being able to go play at his school of choice."

Recognized by Oseguera as a "big-game player", Raymondo was responsible for a number of big moments in important games that helped the Lancers earn a spot in this year's CIF-SS Open Division Finals.

"Thank you to everyone who has pushed me to become the person I am today and to be determined and hard-working," said Raymondo. "I will thank all of my family, friends, and coaches for getting me to this point."

Dylan Rodriguez

Four-year varsity Lancer Dylan Rodriguez has committed to playing soccer at Biola University. Rodriguez also played a key role in the Lancers' recent program success.

"This year, we finished ranked 15th in the country, 2nd in California, making the Open Division Championship, and a huge reason for that is because of Dylan's selflessness, his ability to turn the game on a moment's notice and step up in the big moments," said Oseguera.

Rodriguez's accolades this year include 1st Team All-Trinity League, 1st Team All-CIF, 2nd Team All-County, 1st Team All-State, and 3rd Team All-Lutheran School All-American.

"I want to thank my parents for everything they've done to help me reach this point in my athletic career," said Rodriguez. "Their constant support, sacrifices, and belief in me have meant everything. I also wanted to thank Coach Mike. Thank you for pushing me to be better every day and helping me grow both as a player and as a person. You've challenged me, believed in me, and helped me see my full potential. I'm truly grateful for all of you and everything you've invested in me. I wouldn't be here without you."

Men's Water Polo

Logan Hetland 

Senior water polo player Logan Hetland will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Cal Baptist University. The four-year varsity player scored 88 goals in his senior season and is a 1st Team All-League and 2nd Team All-CIF honoree.

"One thing about Logan that I love is that he's not just a great water polo player, he's also a great person," said OLu boys water polo coach Anderson Prior. "Logan is very hard-working, and he likes to put that onto his teammates as well. Logan is a leader on the pool deck… He's hungry, he's tenacious, he has that fire in his eyes… In every single way, he's really pushing himself to the limit."

Hetland is grateful to everyone who encouraged and guided him as he pursues this next chapter.

"Over my water polo career, I have had so many people help me get to where I am today," said Hetland. "To my parents driving me late at night to practice when I was a kid, to the coaches who have shaped my mind and changed how I read the game, and to all the fantastic players who have helped me win games to get me where I am now, thank you. I couldn't have done any of this without your help. Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams."

Women's Water Polo

Maycie Brown

Senior water polo player Maycie Brown is headed to Cal State University, Fullerton to continue her playing career. The four-year varsity Lancer is also a member of OLu's surf team.

"Maycie is the kind of teammate that every program hopes for," said OLu girls water polo coach Natalie Christensen. "She's a team player through and through, whether in the water, on the sidelines, or simply encouraging those around her. She brings energy, positivity, and heart to everything she does. Her determination and persistence have helped her grow into not only a strong athlete, but also an incredible leader and friend. At Orange Lutheran, Maycie has embraced every opportunity to compete, grow, and represent her school with pride."

Brown is excited for this next chapter and appreciates everyone who helped make this next step possible.

"I'm really grateful to everyone who helped me get to this point, especially my coaches, teammates, and family," said Brown. "Most of all, I'm thankful for my grandparents, who made this opportunity possible and supported me in ways that truly mattered."

Women's Wrestling

Callie Milstien

Senior wrestler Callie Milstien has committed to Menlo College to continue her academic and athletic career. After joining OLu's wrestling program as a junior, in the span of two seasons, Milstien improved from a 7-11 record to a 29-11 record and placed 3rd at CIF.

"She placed at almost every major tournament we took her to," said OLu wrestling head coach Heber Castillo. "It's just a testament to her work, her belief in the process, who she is, and her character. My only regret… is that I didn't have the opportunity to coach her longer. We're all so proud of you."

Milstien is thankful for all those in her support system who believed in her abilities and have helped her achieve this goal of competing at the collegiate level.

"I want to thank my parents for always supporting my dreams, my coaches for seeing something in me that I couldn't and teaching me more than I could ask for, and my teammates for going through this all with me and making me laugh every step of the way," said Milstien.