Senior Sophia Song, the girls varsity basketball captain , committed to playing basketball for UC Davis on November 18 after officially signing her National Letter of Intent, a document used to indicate a student athlete’s commitment to participating National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) colleges and universities in the United States. The signing was an open event at the Aztec Arena where Song’s family members as well as Keppel students and staff attended to celebrate Sophia’s decision in accepting a full scholarship from UC Davis.
Song said, “Signing with UC Davis is a dream come true. To be playing Division 1 basketball, it just justifies all the sacrifices that my family and I have had to make. My hard work and late nights in the gym and all summer long is all paying off. I couldn’t have done it, though, without my family on and off the court [and] the teachers and friends that I have at Keppel.”
The event took place directly after school. During the ceremony, Principal John Scanlan, boys varsity basketball coach Hung Duong, girls varsity coach Mr. Jose Herrera, and Song’s mother, Meixine Song, briefly spoke about Song’s achievements and contributions to the school before her official signing to UC Davis. Food and drinks were available after the signing.
Song first verbally made her decision to attend the school in May of this year. She choose UC Davis out of six other offers from Division 1 schools on the west coast. Song’s scholarship for UC Davis includes tuition, books, food, dorming, and spending money.
Song said, “My recruiting process has not been easy. [I was] constantly trying to find the right fit for me but I’ve found a school that has the perfect balance for school and basketball.”
Coach Herrera, a recent addition to Keppel staff, said that having Song play for him is exciting and that he is expecting great things from Song as well as the basketball program this year. He stated, “For the two weeks I’ve been here, I see why she’s getting that scholarship. I see the leadership on and off the court… It’s going to be a special year.”
