College bound athletes

College bound athletes

By Kelsey Kramer and Juliana Blatzheim Posted June 5, 2025

All the hard work, long practices, and away games have paid off for these athletes. After four years of high school, these students have been noticed for their dedication. Natalie Formby, Vanessa Lott, Katelyn Cassinelli, Britain Backus, Lennox Zebroski, Olivia Espinola, Crisslyn Rodriguez, and Jhett Harber have signed.

Lennox Zebroski plans to attend Bushnell University after high school to further his cross country career.
“As a runner, it is in Eugene, and Eugene is the running capital of the world,” said Zebroski.

Many athletes have carefully considered which college fits them the most and aligns with their values.

“Overall, it was the best fit for me academically, athletically, and spiritually,” said Zebroski. “I find it is a gift from God and can glorify God through expressing myself through my sport.”

Vanessa Lott has played volleyball at Lowry all four years of high school, where she grew as an athlete and met some of her greatest friends. Lott signed with Lassen Community College and is looking forward to making more lifelong friends within the team.

“While I was picking a college, LCC stood out to me because of the welcoming nature of the team,” said Lott. “What keeps me motivated the most as an athlete is my drive and love for the sport I play. During college, I hope to become a better athlete and person.”

Lott has been dedicated to her sport since she began her freshman year and will miss playing with her Lowry team.

“I’m so blessed to have been a part of Lowry’s volleyball team,” said Lott. “Volleyball has taught me many things about myself.”

Another senior signing with a college for her athletics is Natalee Formby, who made her way onto the varsity basketball team her junior year, where the team won at state. Formby has chosen to sign with the place that fits her most.

“I chose Feather River College because it felt like the perfect place for me to grow both academically and athletically,” said Formby. “The coaching staff and environment really stood out, and I knew I’d get the support I needed to improve my game.”

Formby hopes to continue improving in basketball, as it has been one of her most memorable parts of high school.

“My plans for basketball in the future are to keep pushing myself, develop my skills, and hopefully contribute to my team’s success while working towards transferring to a four-year program,” said Formby. “Throughout high school, what kept me motivated was my love for the game and the encouragement from my coaches, teammates, and family.”

Another senior dedicated to her sport is Olivia Espinola, who began her love for athletics at a young age. Espinola has signed with Columbia College and will be continuing her journey there.

“I got asked to play volleyball there, and I thought it would be a really good idea to pursue and continue my love and dedication to the sport,” said Olivia Espinola. “I started in French Ford, I didn’t really think I would do it in high school because I was more set on soccer, but I tried volleyball out and then I just kept doing it throughout the years.”

Espinola has built unforgettable memories within her team, playing on varsity since her sophomore year.
After officially committing to UNR women’s basketball, Britain Backus shared her enthusiasm about the opportunity ahead.

“I am super excited and grateful for the opportunity I have to play at the next level. I’m even more excited to continue playing in front of my home crowd,” said Backus.

Her love for the game runs deep, rooted in years of dedication and passion.

“I’ve loved playing basketball for as long as I can remember,” said Backus. “It is one of my favorite things to do. It’s fun, it’s intense, it’s competitive, and that’s why I love playing so much.”

When it came time to choose a school, Backus said the decision was clear.

“I picked Nevada because of the coaching staff,” said Backus. “They took the time to get to know me on a personal level. It was a place I felt like I would genuinely be cared for as a person and not just a basketball player. They are so dedicated, have the drive, and want to win, and that was exactly what I was looking for in a program.”Crisslyn Rodriguez is headed to Porterville College to play softball. She’s been encouraged in her softball career by her mother.

“My mom pushed me and helped me throughout my life to make the player I am,” said Rodriguez. “I chose to continue to get better and to meet new people and see a new place in life.”

Rodriguez has enjoyed her time with the Lowry softball team and is looking forward to continuing her career.

“Porterville reached out to me wanting me to go and play, although I debated on going, I decided I wanted to go,” said Rodriguez. “I was not ready to stop playing. I’m gonna continue my journey for two more years and see where life takes me.”

Katelyn Cassinelli has connected deeply to her teammates on the Lowry girls’ golf team, but she is thrilled to meet new people at Simpson University.

“I am most excited about all the new friends that I will make,” said Cassinelli. “I’m also super excited to see how far my golf game can progress and just how much better I can get. What I will miss most about high school sports are the friendships that I have made with other teammates. I am forever grateful for those friendships.”

Jhett Harber has signed with a military academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point in New York.

“I’ve always had a drive to wrestle,” said Jhett Harber. “I love to win, but my losses ultimately motivate me to keep going.”Harber has been participating in wrestling since his sophomore year. Harber was successful in winning a title at state not once, but twice, in his junior and senior years.

“I love the reward from wrestling, you get exactly what you put in,” said Harber.