Waukegan softball player Viviana Guzman is used to celebrating big moments later in the day.
So instead of signing her national letter of intent on Wednesday morning, Guzman chose to have an afternoon ceremony with 25 family members, friends and coaches.
Guzman, the 2021 News-Sun Softball Player of the Year, sealed the deal with Green Bay on the first day of the signing period.
“My travel teammates and coaches even made a long drive to come support me,” she said.
Guzman hasn’t played for a high school powerhouse and went 3-5 on the mound during her junior season. But she had a 1.36 ERA and struck out 134 in 56 ? innings. She also hit .442 with eight home runs and 24 RBIs.
“It’s crazy how far I’ve come as a student-athlete,” Guzman said. “I’ve had dreams of playing Division I softball since I was a little girl, and now those dreams are coming true.”
Guzman was the player of the year in the North Suburban Conference and was named to the Illinois Coaches Association’s Class 4A all-state third team.
Waukegan coach Amy Ramsey said Guzman’s signing should inspire younger kids in the community.
“It shows what hard work and dedication can achieve,” Ramsey said. “She’s the first athlete that I’ve coached to earn a Division I scholarship. She’s a hard worker, and I expect a big senior season from her. I can’t wait to see what amazing things she continues to do.”
Marynevych motivated: Grayslake Central senior midfielder Marko Marynevych is looking to build off a strong season to continue his soccer career in college.
Marynevych had four goals and a team-high 16 assists for the Rams, who finished fourth in Class 2A last weekend. His younger brother, Daniel, scored a team-best 20 goals.
“I’m definitely interested in playing college soccer,” Marko Marynevych said. “Junior college is an option. I’m also looking into a few Division I and Division III schools with a good community. I’m just getting transitioned into my recruitment process and hope to see results soon.”
Grayslake Central coach Keith Andersson said Marynevych, a three-year starter, should have a number of options once he sends out more video.
“Marko is a smart kid who would like to go to a top-notch business school and play soccer,” Andersson said. “Marko is probably one of the most versatile players we’ve had. He can literally play any position. His speed is unbelievable. It’s amazing to see him pass. He has unbelievable instincts.”
Conger signs: Warren senior infielder Hailey Conger signed her national letter of intent to play softball at Butler on Wednesday morning. She also attended Guzman’s signing in the afternoon.
A former track athlete, Conger hit .473 with 40 runs and 25 RBIs to help Warren win its eighth straight Class 4A regional title last season. She was named to the ICA’s Class 4A all-state second team.
“My journey was definitely different but also very special,” Conger said. “Our class happened to have our recruiting process be right in the middle of COVID-19. … I’ve worked really hard to become a (college) player. I couldn’t have done it without the support system that surrounded me during my whole journey.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
