Hard work and dedication paid off for four Queen Creek High School athletes on National Signing Day, Feb. 2.
"We're here to celebrate these students for the next stage of their life," said Renee Ragoli, athletic director for Queen Creek High School. "It's exciting to recognize some really cool kids and their accomplishments."
Bulldogs senior Payton Barlow will go on to play football as a Lumberjack at Northern Arizona University.
"Payton has worked hard to perfect his craft and to be where he's at. NAU is getting a steal," said Travis Schureman, head football coach at Queen Creek High.
"I want to thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to play football and I'd like to thank all my coaches and teammates through all four years of football in high school," Barlow said.
Bulldogs senior Marcos Carrasco will go on to play baseball as a Coyote with the College of Southern Nevada.
"Marcos is unbelievable. He comes to school every day ready to work. He's epitomizes Queen Creek baseball and we're really excited for him," said Mikel Moreno, head baseball coach at Queen Creek High.
"I want to thank my parents because without their support and money, I wouldn't be here today," Carrasco said.
Bulldogs senior Jase Leighton will go on to play soccer as a Tiger with Dakota Wesleyan University.
"I'd like to thank my teammates and parents for pushing me on and off the field," Leighton said.
His coaches said they're excited about his next chapter as he gets to study nursing and play soccer at the collegiate level.
Bulldogs senior Maddie Padilla will go on to play softball as a Matador at California State University, Northridge. But first, she has a full season of softball ahead of her at Queen Creek High.
"I want to thank my teammates, parents and coaches," Padilla said on signing day, which also was National Girls and Women in Sports Day. "This upcoming season will be the best yet."
Keith Householder, head softball coach at Queen Creek High, agreed.
"It's been a privilege to have someone of her hustle and good work ethic play for us and we expect good things out of her this year."
