The pressure of deciding which college to attend is over for two Clarkston athletes.
Nicole Janek and Lauren Gardner signed their letters of intent on Nov. 5 and shared the moment with friends, family and their coaches.
Both had various schools looking at them, but their main consideration was which one would fulfill their academic needs.
Janek was looking for a Division 1 school to continue playing tennis. The school would also have the option of preapplying to a nursing program.
At Cleveland State University, she could do that without worrying about taking the required classes and then waiting to be accepted into the program.
‘I’m so proud,? Janek said. ‘I worked really hard. I was working to play at college. I feel really relieved.?
Her parents Nikolas and Laura were excited to see her sign.
‘It’s great,? said Nikolas. ‘It’s nice to see her put forth the effort and be noticed for it. She looks at things logically and this one fit the bill.?
Nicole has been playing tennis since she was 9 years old.
‘I think it’s wonderful,? said coach Craig Judd. ‘I’m extremely happy for her. She has had a dream and set a goal for herself. As a coach, you love to see them achieve what they want.?
She will be playing tennis under the direction of head coach Brian Etzkin.
‘Everyone spoke highly of the coach and practice times were in the middle of the day,? said Nikolas. ‘It’s a great program, great group of kids, and a great social atmosphere.?
Nicole plans to go her master’s after getting her bachelor’s degree.
For Gardner, coaching staff, a growing volleyball program and campus helped her decide to sign to Shepherd University in West Virginia.
‘I wanted something that was going to challenge me,? she said. ‘I wanted it to be enjoyable because volleyball is something that I love.?
Gardner has been playing since she was in fourth grade.
‘She truly loves the game,? said dad, Bud.
Her mom, Robin, and sister, Colby, both played in college but never pressured Lauren to do the same.
‘I never thought I would have one daughter who would enjoy it, now I have two,? said Robin. ‘I am very proud of them for that. They understand the benefits from it ? life lessons.?
‘I am very excited,? said Varsity Volleyball Coach Kelly Avenall. ‘This is something she wanted to do, something she has been driven to do. She works hard every day at practice. I use her as an example for kids who want to take it to the next level. I don’t think they actually understand the commitment and work involved and she is a model for that.?
Lauren will be coached by Sarah Smith and will be studying social sciences. She hasn’t decided, but she keeps coming back to psychology.
‘I am so happy,? said Lauren. ‘It’s a big relief. I feel like this is the right thing for me and right thing for me to do.?
‘We are very excited Lauren has chosen Shepherd,” said Smith.
‘She is a player who excels in any position, whether it is right side or outside. We hope she can come in and solidify our offense on the outside.?