![National Signing Day students and their coaches]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1573745707/springlakeparkschoolsorg/pshst6n62x89bw5bovxy/Signing_Day_2019_7698_online.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1573745707/springlakeparkschoolsorg/pshst6n62x89bw5bovxy/Signing_Day_2019_7698_online.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1573745707/springlakeparkschoolsorg/pshst6n62x89bw5bovxy/Signing_Day_2019_7698_online.jpg","width":800}])
Panther student-athletes Keely Johnson, Gabe Myren, Madie Pich and Alexie Stephani participated in Signing Day on Wednesday, November 13 and committed to play their sport at the collegiate level.
“I want to congratulate Madie, Gabe, Alexei and Keely on signing national letters of intent,” says activities and athletic director Will Wackman. “These four student-athletes are the whole package. Not only are they all great athletes, but more importantly, they are great people. Their respective universities are getting high-quality kids that will make their programs better.”
During the event, coaches introduced each student-athlete and gave insight into the student’s accomplishments, both on and off the field and court. Family, friends and teammates were also in attendance to celebrate and support them as they signed National Letters of Intent.
Learn a little more about these student-athletes and view photos of the signing day event.
Keely Johnson, Minnesota State University, Moorhead (DII), Soccer
Playing on the high school soccer team since seventh grade taught Keely many life lessons and shaped her into the athlete she is today. She is excited to continue her journey as a student-athlete at the Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
So far in her soccer career, Keely has played forward, midfield and defense and hopes to continue as a defender in college. She made junior variety in seventh grade and is a two-year varsity player who scored two goals in the first section game of the 2019 season, helping the team advance to two more rounds of sections.
“I’m proud to be an SLP Panther because of the people that make up the school, including the students and staff who made high school a great experience for me,” says Keely.
Gabe Myren, Minnesota State University, Moorhead (DII), Basketball
After making great connections with the coaches and players at Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Gabe committed to continuing his academic and basketball career there.
During his high school career, Gabe has played point guard and shooting guard for the Spring Lake Park High School boys basketball team. He is an accomplished athlete, having lettered the past three years in basketball, was named all-conference for the past two years and holds the basketball school record for all-time career steals.
“I am proud to be a Panther because of the great community with faculty and the coaches who have pushed me to come in day-in and day-out and perform my best athletically and academically,” says Gabe.
Madie Pich, St. Cloud State (DII), Softball
Madie chose to commit to St. Cloud University because of the opportunity to continue her athletic and academic career and also because she knew she has the right resources and people around her to succeed and thrive there.
Madie has played on the SLPHS softball team for the past three years. So far in her softball career as a middle infield player, Madie has achieved many accomplishments and awards, including:
- Varsity Letter, 9-12 grade
- Team MVP, 2019
- All-Conference, 2018 and 2019
- All Section, 2019
- Softball Captain, 2020
- Broke the Spring Lake Park High School Home Run Record, 2018
- Breakdown Sports Magazine, 2018
Outside of softball, Madie is in the Panther Mentor program, National Honors Society and a part of the SLP Leadership Council.
“I am proud to be an SLP Panther because of the district’s great atmosphere and community,” says Madie Pich. “Being around teachers who are willing to help students grow academically, as well as a person, is what makes Spring Lake Park High School a special and unique place to be a part of.”
Alexie Stephani, Viterbo University (NAIA), Soccer and Track and Field
Alexie is excited to play two sports at Viterbo University next fall. There were many factors that went into her decision to sign with Viterbo, including its status as a Christian school that has an incredible nursing program she is thrilled to be joining.
Alexi has been a part of the Panther track team since the eighth grade and soccer team since seventh grade. She has played outside midfielder and outside forward during her soccer career and has most often competed in the long jump, triple jump, high jump and the 4x100 meter relay in track and field. Alexie has achieved many accomplishments and awards in both sports, including:
Soccer accomplishments and awards
- Varsity Letter award, 9-12 grade
- Most Improved award
- Panther award (heart and soul)
- Most Valuable Player
- Team Captain, 2019
Track and Field accomplishments and awards
- Varsity Letter, 9-12 grade
- Four All-Conference Honorable Mentions
- Three All-Conference awards
- Participated in the 2019 State Meet
- Team Captain, 2019 and 2020
Alexie has also participated in the Opportunities in Emergency Care (OEC) program for the past two years and has been a full-time PSEO student at the University of Northwestern, Saint Paul campus for her junior and senior year, where she participated in numerous activities and clubs.
“I am proud to be an SLP Panther because of my teammates, coaches, teachers, experiences, and most importantly, all of the learning and opportunities Spring Lake Park School has provided me with,” says Alexie Stephani.
Best of luck to our Panther student-athletes!