Six Brainerd graduates commit to NCAA programs after signing day
Local athletes join various colleges for sports ranging from lacrosse and swimming to alpine skiing and basketball.
By Neha Kapoor ·
Brainerd High School held a signing ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to announce college athletic commitments for six female graduates. The event marked the official start of their collegiate careers as they prepare to join their respective university rosters.
Margaux Czech has signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at McKendree University in Illinois. Aralyn Marcelo will compete as a swimmer for the University of Sioux Falls. Jaycee Carlson chose to play softball at Minnesota State University Moorhead, while Addison Bjorkland will play basketball at the University of North Dakota.
Two former Warriors will attend Northern Michigan University. Piper Grillo will compete on the women's Alpine ski team, and Ellen Germundson will play lacrosse for the school. The group represents a mix of contact sports and individual pursuits, with all six players set to begin their new academic and athletic terms soon.
The local community also noted commitments from athletes in neighboring school districts. Whitney LeBlanc, a senior at Pierz High School, signed to play women's golf at St. Cloud State University. She is the daughter of Randy and Jessica LeBlanc and signed her letter at her high school on the same day as the Brainerd ceremony.
Tollef Birkeland from Pequot Lakes committed to play basketball for the Northwestern Raiders in Orange City, Iowa. These signings conclude the high school recruitment cycle for the group, moving them from local competition to the NCAA division level.
The announcements coincide with other regional athletic developments. Crosby-Ironton graduate Tori Oehrlein is averaging 7.0 points per game for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who face Kansas State on Saturday, Nov. 14. Meanwhile, local hockey players including Cole Smith, Kade Stengrim, and Mitch McLain continue to contribute for their professional and collegiate teams.
The signing ceremony recognized the transition of these athletes from high school varsity teams to their next level of play. Each student has completed the NCAA registration process and secured a spot on their chosen team's roster for the upcoming season.
