The stage was set. Nine proud students looked from the stage and into the crowd of Upper Division students. On November 13, 2024, at 10:10 PM, these students cemented their bright futures for the next four years.
This fall, these nine Berkeley student-athletes signed to continue their athletic careers in college. Below is the list of seniors, the sports they play and the colleges they chose to sign with.
CELEBRATING HARD WORK AND COMMITMNENT: This year, nine Berkeley student-athletes from five different sports programs signed to continue their athletic careers in college.
During the ceremony, Melaney O’Carroll ‘84 (Athletic Director) expressed gratitude for these hardworking student-athletes: “We are so proud of this incredible representation of true student-athletes….these are some incredible universities, colleges and academies. And though they will soon don colors other than the Berkeley blue, and their mascots will change to a Crusader, a Black Knight, a Gator, a Seminole, a Duck, a Seahawk, a Bison, a Lynx and a Wildcat – they will all be Buccaneers for life!”
On Signing Day, O’Carroll also gave a synopsis of these students’ high school sports careers.
Mackenzie Crerand ‘25 has been on the varsity softball team since seventh grade. She mainly played as a starting catcher, but she can be the first basewoman whenever the team needs her to do so. In the 115 games she played, she has tallied 79 RBI’s, 96 hits, 21 doubles and 10 home runs.
Hannah Hankerson ‘25, a Berkeley lifer, has been a member of the varsity volleyball team since eighth grade. She is a six rotation outside hitter and served as court captain for the past two seasons. During her senior year, Hannah contributed 316 kills, 54 receptions, 39 aces, 219 digs and 20 blocks, leading the varsity volleyball team to a state-runner up finish.
Lily Hayes ‘25 first joined the volleyball program during her junior year. One of the best liberos in the Class of 2025, Lily contributed 108 assists, 51 receptions, 23 aces, 26 kills and 4 blocks this season. She also helped the varsity volleyball team achieve state runner-up.
Rivers Kurland ‘25 is the all-time strikeout leader in Berkeley baseball history (269 in his senior year and 118 in his junior year). With a career ERA of 1.74 and 85%-win percentage, he recorded 20 wins as pitcher and 46 hits (7 doubles, 3 triples, 2 homeruns) as a batter.
Izzy Mogridge ‘25 first joined the volleyball program during her junior year. One of Berkeley’s best setters, she was selected to this year’s Under Armour Next All American Team. This season, she led the offense with 464 assists, 57 aces, 256 kills and 34 blocks.
Hannah Parkinson ‘25 has been on the beach volleyball team since her freshman year. She helped the team advance to states in her freshman year and to the state finals last year. This year, she is the captain of the beach volleyball team and will pursue the state championship in spring.
Avery Powers ‘25 has been on the softball program since her freshman year. In her third career start, she threw a 21 strikeout, 10-inning no-hitter. During her junior year, she broke the school record for the most strikeouts in a single season with 226 strikeouts in 22 games. One of the best pitchers in Berkeley history, she currently has a 1.8 ERA and 482 career strikeouts.
Luca Prest ‘25, a Berkeley lifer, has been part of the volleyball program since sixth grade. One of two starting setters, she led the offense with 335 assists, 136 digs and 48 aces in her senior year. She is a two-time student athlete leader and contributes to the beach volleyball team as well.
McKenna Smith ‘25 has been a part of the swim and dive team since her freshman year. She is the school record holder in the 100 breast, 2-time Individual Region Champion, 6-time District Champion and team MVP over the past two seasons.
Congratulations to these nine student-athletes in the Class of 2025!
