By Cliff Gibson, Sports Information Director
Five student-athletes from Bishop Lynch High School signed national letters of intent during a ceremony Wednesday morning, with a large number of friends, coaches and friends in attendance.
Wednesday is Early National Signing Day, one of three times during the 2015-16 academic year in which student-athletes can officially commit. The others are in February and April.
Two members of the Lady Friar volleyball program — Catherine Balido and Francesca Goncalves — inked letters during the ceremony. Balido will continue her career at Boston College while Goncalves will play sand volleyball for Florida State University.
Balido is a four-year member of the varsity team, having contributed to three consecutive state championships. She is looking to become one of few athletes at Bishop Lynch to win four straight titles when the Lady Friars head to the state tournament in San Antonio this weekend.
Goncalves is a three-year member of the varsity team, with two state titles under her belt. Goncalves rarely leaves the floor, playing both on the front and back rows.
Head volleyball coach Tricia Roos says both will leave a lasting legacy at Bishop Lynch.
“Each year Cat has had a tremendous impact on the team and contributed hundreds of kills in her four years. There will be a big hole to fill when she graduates and we’re blessed to have had her here,” Roos said. “Francesca competes at the highest level of beach volleyball, having won 32 tournaments in the sand, where she will continue her career. Her presence on the indoor court will not be forgotten.”
Josh Aguilar — an all-state performer on the BL baseball team — also signed a letter of intent with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.
Aguilar set a single-season school record with a .560 batting average last year and received 1stTeam honors on the 5A TAPPS All-State Baseball Team. He was also the district’s Offensive Player of the Year last season.
BL crew athletes Laura Blonien and Annie Pelic finished out the group of five, signing letters of intent with University of Southern California (USC) and University of Tennessee, respectively. Blonien and Pelic each compete with Dallas United Crew.
Click here for more photos from the ceremony