Anthem Prep Athletes Commit to Compete in College Sports

It was a big day at Great Hearts Anthem as three senior athletes signed their letters of intent to play college sports. Headmaster Zack Withers introduced each student before they sat down in front of friends and family to make it official. All three athletes have been an important part of their teams and are now taking the next step as student-athletes at the college level.

First up was Gabriel Contrerus, who has been part of Anthem Prep since sixth grade. He’s played multiple sports over the years, but soccer is where he has found the most success. He will be heading to Nelson University in Texas to play.

Gabriel shared how being at a small school helped him grow as a player. “Soccer is my main sport. I was the top of the ladder here and now I’m at the bottom. So, I’m excited to grow and become a better soccer player, better athlete,” he said. “I think Anthem Prep has prepared me the most in the fact that it’s a small school, so I get a lot of playing time. Probably opportunities that I wouldn’t get if I went to a bigger school. Playing as much as I did has helped me improve my game.”

Next was Brielle Williams, who will be playing golf at Southern Virginia University.

“Brielle joined us partway through high school in 10th grade but also managed to be a multi-sport athlete,” said Withers.

Brielle just started golf in her sophomore year and quickly found it was a good fit. “I love that it’s a personal sport and I just get to focus on myself and always stay positive and just keep on improving,” she said. “Anthem Prep’s the perfect community because it’s such a small school. They also have small teams, and I never would have joined the golf team if it wasn’t so many opportunities that I got to have and a great coach that helped motivate me.”

The last to sign was Abigail Purbis, who has been at Anthem Prep since eighth grade and will be playing basketball at Ottawa University in Surprise, Arizona.

After playing basketball all four years of high school, she said she wasn’t always sure about playing basketball in college. “I actually wasn’t sure if I was going to play or not and then I just love the coach and I love the team and I love the facility,” she said.

She feels the academy has helped her get ready for college. While speaking with her college adviser to set up her classes, he asked her if she needed any classes to help her prepare for speaking in the required seminar classes she would have to take. “I was like ‘Oh, I go to Anthem Prep. I do that two hours every day,’” she said with confidence.

Withers wrapped up the event by inviting the audience to applaud all three athletes. “Let’s congratulate all of our signers for today,” he said.

Each student is heading into a new season of life, but they’ll take with them everything they learned on and off the court and field at Anthem Prep.

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