by Mark McDermott
Mira Costa High School has famously produced everything from cutting edge physicists to famous actors, musicians, and writers. But the school has one tradition that is perhaps most steadfast: year after year, Mustang athletes are among the most elite in the nation, and are sought after by major college sports programs.
This year, 15 Mustangs signed letters of intent with colleges. All but one of the athletes, pioneering flag football star Sophie Guitron, are committed to Division I programs. Flag Football is not yet recognized as a NCAA I sport, but is recognized by the NAIA. Guitron is playing for Keiser University, in Florida.
Meanwhile, three athletes committed to USC’s powerhouse indoor volleyball programs, including Andrew Chapin, Cooper Keane, and Taylor Deckert. Four Mustang baseball players are heading for Division I schools — Harrison Belden to the University of Chicago, Win Gurney to Oregon State, Connor Jones to Arizona State, and Lucas Schermer to UC Irvine. Mia Komsky will play beach volleyball at the University of Oregon, Emily Pfaff at Loyola Marymount, and Ellie Black at UC Davis. Swimmer Fred Brown will attend Emory University, Lacrosse star Kate Donnelly UC Davis, and soccer star Mckenna Cooper UC Santa Barbara. Tennis standout Alisa Lansky will attend UC San Diego. ER
