Four Chandler Prep Seniors Sign to Play Collegiate Sports Facebook Twitter Email This Post Chandler Prep May 18, 2026 Four seniors at Chandler Prep were acknowledged as they signed their letters of intent to play college sports during a special signing ceremony at the academy. Only about 6% of high school student athletes earn the opportunity to compete athletically at a collegiate level, making this a significant milestone to celebrate, including a special first in the academy’s history. “The practices, the workouts, late nights, sacrifices, and the continue to push even when things got difficult. That’s what today really represents,” shared Zach Gurule, the Chandler Prep athletic director, as he opened the assembly. Robby Hirsch committed to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Dayton, competing at the NCAA Division I level with the Flyers, the highest and most competitive level of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States. Robby also received an academic scholarship. He becomes the first Chandler Prep baseball player in Titan history to commit to a Division I program. “That accomplishment by itself just reflects the years of dedication and consistency you’ve brought to the program,” said Gurule. “I think anyone who wants to get to that next level needs to see that and build themself off of you.” “Robby has worked incredibly hard for this honor and greatly deserves our recognition,” said Coach Vilaboy, who has witnessed the years of dedication, development, and commitment to excellence on and off the field. Avery Hamler is signing to play football with Norwich University, a private university in Vermont, founded in 1819 as the “American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy.” It is recognized by the United States Department of Defense as the “Birthplace of ROTC.” “I’m incredibly proud of Avery,” announced Gurule. “He’s an incredible football player. Incredible person. He is the heart of Chandler Prep and it’s definitely going to be hard seeing him go. That’s for sure.” Dani Scott will play soccer for Mesa Community College. “She brought positivity and energy,” said Gurule. “You have a great attitude, but your field IQ is amazing, too. You’re easily the smartest player on the team, and it showed in every movement you made on the field.” Dominic “Dom” Steineke will play baseball for Glendale Community College. “One of the things I’m going to miss most about Dom is not just talking sports and life with you in the hallways, in the office, on the field, everywhere,” shared Gurule, adding that he appreciated his work ethic. “I would leave 8:00 or 9:00 and I would see him out there pitching and batting and in the weights. He was always just working his craft.” Join us in extending congratulations to these amazing student athletes with gratitude. “We’re proud of you, excited for you, and thankful for the way that you’ve guys represented Chandler Prep all these four years. So, thank you,” concluded Gurule. Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org. Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/. Great Hearts, Great Stories Monthly Roundup Receive monthly news and updates by subscribing to our newsletter. Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.