By Molly Anderson
Dana Hills High School recognized three seniors on Signing Day this week as they committed to continue both their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level, with Ally Fausett, Marlee Tisdale, and Gavin Giese each signing letters of intent surrounded by classmates, coaches, and family members. Ally Fausett will continue her volleyball career at Texas Tech University, choosing the Red Raiders because “the other sports are really good and there is a big fanbase in the Big 12 and has very high level facilities and trainers,” and she said her decision became clear during her official visit when she “walked into the gym for the first time and saw how cool it was, especially compared to the other schools I went to.” Fausett added that playing at Dana Hills “helped me become more of a leader and increase my work ethic and competitiveness,” and she is looking forward to “the level of knowledge I will have access to with the personalized trainers, nutritionists, and coaches.” She credited her family, saying, “My parents and little sister have been my biggest supporters throughout my journey and they always pushed me to go harder,” and her goal at Texas Tech is to “make an impact in the program and become known for my leadership and ability to compete.” Softball player Marlee Tisdale committed to the University of San Diego, a school she connected with immediately upon visiting, explaining, “When I stepped on campus and met the coaches, I could really imagine myself living and playing there and this had never happened for me before.” She realized college softball was within reach when “I emailed a college coach and they actually showed up specifically to see me,” and she shared that Dana Hills taught her that “leadership requires consistency, positivity, and showing up for your team even on bad days.” Looking ahead, she said she is “most excited to compete at a higher level, be constantly challenged, and grow more as an athlete and a person,” and she credited her family as her main support system, saying, “They have supported me through everything and have always believed in me.” She hopes to contribute on the field while balancing academics, adding, “I want to stay on top of my workload, stay organized, and set myself up for success after graduation.” Baseball pitcher Gavin Giese also signed with the University of San Diego, saying, “I committed there because I felt like I had a great relationship with the coaches,” noting the appeal of the campus and that “their baseball program is one of the top programs in California.” Giese said he realized he could play at the next level when he became “the go‑to reliever on varsity as a sophomore,” and he explained that Dana Hills helped him grow through “the support of my teammates and Coach’s. They push me to be a better athlete and person on and off the field.” He looks forward to “the better competition, and beginning my journey to become a professional pitcher,” and he credits his father, “a professional pitcher in the MLB,” for helping him develop both the mental and physical sides of the game. His goals are to “be a good teammate and person in general” and “be a leader not only on the field but in the classroom as well.” With all three athletes officially signed, Dana Hills adds another group of students continuing on to collegiate programs.