Swimming, softball standouts ready for next level
The dream of two Analy High School athletes became a reality this month after signing letters of intent to attend college on an athletic scholarship.
Inking scholarship offer sheets were Analy swimming star Lani Auva’a, who will attend San Jose State, and veteran All-League softballer Mackenzie Evangelista, who signed with the University of Southern Oregon.
Auva’a, a four-year North Coast Section qualifier, is among the top swimmers in Analy history, capturing multiple individual league titles and school and meet records in several events. She has helped lead the Tigers to an SCL championship each of the past two years.
Auva’a honed her skills under the direction of Santa Rosa Neptunes coaches Dan Greaves and Cassandra Lund, and has flourished under the watchful eye of Analy coach Lehla Irwin.
Auva’a currently carries a 4.03 grade point average but is yet undecided about her college major. She recently qualified in the 100-Meter Butterfly for the Junior Nationals in Austin, Texas with a clocking of 55.74, a personal best.
Auva’a didn’t take long to decide that San Jose State was the place to be after being recruited by several colleges.
“I just fell in love with the school and the area,” she said, while thanking her coaches and family for their unwavering support. “I met a lot of the swimmers on the team and they were very sweet.”
Evangelista has been equally impressive since stepping onto a high school softball diamond in a four-year All-League career with the Tigers. A team captain and two-time Analy Most Valuable Player, the versatile senior can play both infield and outfield.
Her decision to attend Southern Oregon was also an easy one.
“I chose Southern Oregon after visiting the school this year,” she said. “I really liked the campus and coach.”
Evangelista is coming off a stellar junior campaign, batting a team-best .452 for the Tigers last spring, including a team-leading 38 hits and 35 runs scored, with nine doubles and 12 runs batted in.
“The things I’m most proud of at Analy are being named team captain and MVP,” she said. “I want to thank my family, along with Analy coach Nick Houtz and my travel ball coach Chuck Ludlow.”
Evangelista currently carries a 3.95 grade point average and plans to pursue a college degree in business and finance.
