Appeal Staff Report
Kayla Sanchez admitted she was relieved to finally put her signature on a letter-of-intent, sending her to Arizona State.
The Carson High senior signed with the defending national indoor and outdoor champions in women's track on Wednesday, the first day of the winter signing period.
"It's crazy," Sanchez said. "It's really a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. It's really exciting."
Sanchez has received an 80 percent scholarship offer from the Sun Devils, an impressive amount coming from the prestigious program since track scholarships of that much in track are rare. But Sanchez is a versatile performer and a nine-time state NIAA 4A State champion, having swept the 100, 200 and 300 hurdle titles the last three years.
This year Sanchez will go for four state titles in the 100, 200 and 300 and 100 hurdles. Her best time of 42.34 seconds ranks as the fourth-fastest among returning athletes in the nation this year in the 300 hurdles. The Sun Devils plan to mainly use her in the 400 hurdles and the 4x400 relay and could use her as a sprinter as well.
"I was intrigued by the versatility and overall speed Kayla possessed," said Arizona State assitant coach Kenny McDaniel, who coaches the hurdlers and sprinters. "She is a dynamic athlete who will add depth to our group as both a sprinter and hurdler."
While Sanchez said she has set no specific goals at Arizona State, she's confident that she'll reach her full potential under McDaniel. "I really connected with him," Sanchez said. "I'm really ready for ASU."
"I want to get everything I can out of it," Sanchez also said about her experience at Arizona State.
Sanchez said a long list of coaches, family, including her father Louie, and supporters were responsible for her success. "A lot of people," she said.
While she hasn't decided on a major, Sanchez, who carries a 3.0 G.P.A., said she's leaning toward physical therapy. "Physical therapy is pretty big on my list," she said.
FAIELLA AT JAMESTOWN
Dan Faiella, a 6-1, 235-pound lineman for Carson High, has committed to play for the Jamestown College football team, an NAIA school in Jamestown, N.D. Jamestown plans to use Faiella as an outside linebacker.