On April 20, Olympic Heights Community High School celebrated the signing of six student athletes as they embark on their journey to play at the next level. Coaches, families, and teammates recognized these soon-to-be collegiate athletes for their grit, skill, and leadership.

The following student athletes are on their way to play at the college level:

• Devin Edwards (pitcher/baseball)
• Lex Gleichenhaus (softball/shortstop)
• Allison Blanco-Cruz (wrestling)
• Jordan Reid (defensive end/football)
• Lanard Fuller (cornerback/football)
• Brently Louis (running back/football)

The ceremony started with encouraging words from OH Athletic Director Chris Holly, who praised these athletes for their dedication on and off the field. He applauded their ability to be leaders and superstars in their athletic and academic high school careers and emphasized how proud they’ve made Olympic Heights before the coaches individually introduced their athletes.

“Olympic Heights 2026 Signing Day was a wonderful celebration of our student-athletes’ hard work, dedication, and sacrifice in their respective sports,” reports Holly. “It was an opportunity for these athletes to celebrate their accomplishments while also marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives at the collegiate level.”

The athletes also had the chance to share their thoughts and express their gratitude to everyone who supported them along their journey—parents, coaches, and teammates.

Baseball coaches Vic Gutierrez and Sam Kagan commenced the recognition and spoke about Devin Edwards. They congratulated him on his commitment to Patrick & Henry Community College. They thanked him for his hard work and for his adaptability after seeing many different head coaches in his high school career. In his speech, Edwards thanked his parents for driving him to every practice and game, his coaches for helping him through the season, and his teammates who showed endless love and support at the event.

Next, varsity softball coach Dave Scharf shared thoughtful words about Lex Gleichenhaus. He highly regarded her attitude on the field. “Whether we’re up ten runs or down ten runs,” Scharf shared, “you’ll never know by watching [Lex] play.” He repeatedly praised her by saying she is the kind of player every coach wishes to have. As she signed to Barry University, Gleichenhaus thanked her parents and grandparents who were in attendance, her first coach, Dani, who taught her about the game, and her teammates for making her senior season the best it could be.

Then the ceremony applauded the three future collegiate football athletes. Coach Dienly Aristilde acknowledged the three athletes for their hard work, their passion, and their leadership. He praised these boys for continuously displaying their love for the game and the team despite the struggles they went through. Jordan Reid will be attending Florida Memorial University, Lanard Fueller will be attending Culver Stockton College, and Brently Louis will be attending Webber International University. All three exhibited pride and gratitude as they praised God, thanked their parents, and cheered with their teammates as they prepared to take the next step of their future.

The celebration closed with the recognition of wrestler Allison Blanco-Cruz as she signed to Lindsey Wilson University. Coach Leevy Mears spoke highly of Blanco-Cruz, saying that after finally convincing her to join wrestling, she was a “super star” who brought life into the program. Blanco-Cruz thanked her parents, her teammates, and her coaches for pushing her to try and capture the very high idea that they have of her. She revealed that her grit and determination pushed her to be the best she could be.

“I am very excited for Alli going to college,” expresses Leevy.  “To see her hard work and dedication paying off is what coaching is all about.”

The Lion Den roared proudly for these six athletes as they very deservingly advance to play at the next level. To close the ceremony, Coach Holly and Assistant Principal Frank D’Annunzio reminded these athletes that though the color of their uniform will change, their hearts and passion will remain the same, which will lead them to success. Go Lions!