6 La Mirada High student-athletes sign letters of intent for spring sports

La Mirada High senior Andrew Diaz (right) committed to play baseball at Hope International, and signed his letter of intent on National Signing Day for spring sports.   Photo | NLMUSD

LA MIRADA –  La Mirada High School senior Alyssa Ramirez remembers Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch, a Matador alumni, speaking about her professional softball experience after high school, and giving valuable advice that Ramirez would carry with her throughout her softball career: remember that feeling when you lose against a team.

“It helped to motivate me to be a better pitcher and to work harder,” said Ramirez, a pitcher. “It’s been a blessing to play softball my whole life and to finally have it pay off.”

Ramirez signed a letter of intent on April 12 – National Signing Day for spring sports – to play softball for La Serna University. She was joined by five classmates, including La Mirada High second baseman Alex Gonzalez, who declared for Vanguard University.

Gonzalez started playing when he was 3 years old and credits his friends, family and coach for supporting him through the years.

“Coach Zurn always tells me to strive to push through and see how far baseball can get me,” Gonzalez said. “Hard work can get you anywhere.”

The following La Mirada High student-athletes also signed letters of intent on April 12: Andrew Diaz, baseball, Hope International; Alyssa Hana, softball, Wellesley College; Andrew Valencia: water polo, Whittier College; Justin Scroggin, baseball, Navy.

“Congratulations to all of our student-athletes for having their talents recognized by top colleges and universities across the nation,” Norwalk-La Mirada Unified Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian said. “Their energy and hard work will carry them to higher successes after high school.”