Federal Way rich with college-bound athletes on 2017 Signing Day

National Signing Day was Feb. 1, and aspiring athletes from Federal Way, Thomas Jefferson and Todd Beamer all signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

Federal Way with seven signees

Federal Way Eagles first baseman Tally Thomas committed to play softball for the Stanford Cardinal back in November, but the school wanted Thomas to be a part of the National Signing Day festivities. She spoke about her time with Eagles softball and girls wrestling.

Thomas on Stanford softball: “They’re really energetic and positive. I’m someone who, if I’m going to play a sport, I’m going to have fun doing it, and those girls have a blast playing a game that they love, and that’s the kind of culture I want to be a part of.”

Thomas on the the university: “I went for my official visit two week ago, and I got to stay with a girl in her dorm for two days and followed her around. I was able to see the real Stanford and be able to talk and meet with people. Doing that sold me because all these people have fantastic stories.”

Federal Way also had a change at the last minute. Eagles infielder Gabe Togia was headed to Bellevue College, joining teammate Calvin Turchin, leading up to the final days prior to National Signing Day. Togia received an offer from his No. 1 choice, Gonzaga, however, at the last minute. Now, Togia is officially headed to Spokane.

Togia on the Gonzaga offer: “It was definitely last minute. I was set on going to junior college, but Gonzaga came out, they gave me an opportunity, and it was something I couldn’t pass up.”

Togia on joining the Gonzaga baseball program: “They have a great coaching staff and a solid team. They always have a good team every year. I know when I go there I’ll get better. I can’t wait to go there.”

Jefferson with four signees

The Thomas Jefferson Raiders had four athletes sign National Letters of Intent this year. Sonny Fuavai, Makaylie Moore and Kiersten Madsen all signed theirs on Wednesday during National Signing Day. Fuavai will play football at Central Washington University, Moore will play soccer at BYU, and Madsen will play soccer at Saint Martin’s University. Mason Delacruz signed his letter on Nov. 9 to play baseball at Washington State.

Moore on the BYU offer: “They’re a very successful program. They make the NCAA tournament almost every year. It’s also a family school. My mom, my dad, my brother and sister all went to BYU, so it’s like our family school. So it was obviously my first choice for a university and soccer.”

Madsen on the Saint Martin’s offer: “It’s pretty close to home, and I want to be able to visit my family. The program hasn’t been doing very good, but I hope when I come I can help make an impact and other recruited players can help make an impact, too.”

Todd Beamer with seven signees

The Todd Beamer Titans also had seven athletes sign National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. Ameera Hussen officially committed to the University of Washington to play soccer, and Mallorie Post, who also signed in November, will play volleyball at Colorado State-Pueblo.

The full list of Federal Way Public Schools signees is below:

Federal Way

KJ Ridders, football, Upper Iowa University

Tally Thomas, softball, Stanford (signed in November)

Calvin Turchin, baseball, Bellevue Community College

Dawson Bakker, baseball, Edmonds Community College

Brynn Ward, women’s soccer, Pacific Lutheran University

Karina Provo, women’s soccer, Western Washington University

Gabe Togia, baseball, Gonzaga

Thomas Jefferson

Mason Delacruz, baseball, Washington State University (signed in November)

Sonny Fuavai, football, Central Washington University