On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Olympic Heights High School Athletic Department recognized four remarkable student athletes as they committed to play a sport at the NCAA collegiate level. This ceremony marked a milestone in the lives of the athletes and their families, who have dedicated countless hours to their respective sport.

This year, our school celebrated four student athletes. Baseball players Ryan Kessner, Tyler Greenberg, and Dylan Salazar were recognized among their teammates, coaches, and peers for their hard work and dedication to their game. Although she was not in attendance, lacrosse player Isabella Rizzo was praised for her performance as well.

The ceremony began with an introduction from Athletic Director Chris Holly. He spoke with admiration of the attitude and effort demonstrated from the student athletes. They will always be welcome back at Olympic Heights to share their experience with aspiring athletes, expressed Coach Holly.  

The next four years, these athletes will spend myriad hours honing their athletic abilities at the following schools: 

• Ryan Kessner, #11, Pitcher, will be playing at Carleton College.
• Tyler Greenberg, #10, Pitcher, will be playing at Gulf Coast State College.
• Dylan Salazar, #23, Pitcher, will be playing at Anna Maria College.
• Isabella Rizzo, #13, Midfielder, will be playing at Florida Southern College.

As the three boys prepared to sign, they each emphasized their gratitude for their parents, coaches, and teammates. Kessner expressed his admiration to his parents, saying that “without them, [he] wouldn’t be in this spot right now.” Greenberg thanked all of his teammates and peers for showing up to recognize his success, saying that “it really means a lot” to him.  Salazar thanked coach Ben Rivera for helping him recover from his injury and to “guide [him] to not hurt [himself] more.”

Principal Burke also remarked about these impressive athletes.  She spoke highly of the three ball players, highlighting the fact that being a student athlete is not an easy feat while also maintaining good grades. She praised the athletes for their academics, their attitudes, and their incredible achievements of playing collegiate ball.

Signing day is a dream of many high school athletes when making the decision to play at the collegiate level. Very few athletes advance to a college sports career, and Olympic Heights had the honor of celebrating these talented student athletes. Congratulations again to Ryan Kessner, Tyler Greenberg, Dylan Salazar, and Isabella Rizzo on this incredible achievement.  The OH community wishes you nothing but luck on this next chapter of your lives!