At the Spring Athletic Signing Ceremony, Athletic Director Charles Pierce opened with three words for the Class of 2026 signees to carry into the next chapter of their lives: grit, patience, and leadership. By the end of the ceremony, all three were on full display in the seniors' own remarks.
Oliver De Guia announced his commitment to play golf at South Mountain Community College, keeping his remarks short and from the heart: "I want to thank my friends, my family, and most importantly, Coach Walters, for making my dream a reality." 
Norah Jackson, a two-year captain of the CFHS Pomline who is heading to Northern Arizona University to dance at the Division I level, offered advice to the younger athletes in the room."Don't take your training for granted," she said. "You put so much into your sport, and it's easy to forget how protected you are by the hard work and dedication you put into it."
Sophia Lewis, signing with Mesa Community College for softball, has been coached by Olympians and Women's College World Series athletes during her career. She said one lesson outranks the rest. "One bad game doesn't define you," she said. "You are not your setbacks. You are your work ethic."
Molly Murry, who will play soccer at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology while studying mechanical engineering, built on that idea.
"Play the game because you love it," she said. "Don't play it because you're forced to. Always go out there for the love of the challenge."
For Avelyn Alcott, the morning was the culmination of years of hard work and a clear goal. The senior signed with the University of Arizona Pomline, the same dance team her CFHS coach, Camryn Conforti, once competed for. "This has been one of my biggest dreams for so long," she said, thanking her family for "the early competition mornings, the late nights, the long drives, and everything in between."
Feliz Isotalo, headed to dance at Coastal Carolina University, looked back on 16 years of training. "Because of you guys, I was able to live my dreams," she told her parents. "And now I can say that anything is possible."
"Golf has always been a really huge part of my life, and it's taught me many valuable lessons, such as patience and how to handle difficult situations," said Jayden Nester, who will play golf at Daytona State College. "Even though golf is an individual sport, playing taught me the importance of teamwork through support and pushing each other to be better. Playing college golf has always been a dream of mine, and I would not have been able to achieve it without the support of my friends, family and coaches."SMU commit Wren Smith thanked her family for their constant love and support. "Without that, I would not be standing here today. Second, I would like to make my past and current coaches, without their guidance and their support.  And lastly, I would like to thank my friends, my teammates, for always believing in me and pushing me to be my best self in and out of the pool. And when that being said, pony up!"
Fellow swimmer Zoey Switzer signed with Valparaiso University. She thanked Catalina Foothills High School "for giving me all of the tools I need to succeed in the future, to my coaches for constantly believing in me, and giving me the courage to believe that swimming at the next level was possible."

Gracie Hughes is taking her soccer career to New Mexico State University. "Soccer has been a huge part of my life, as long as I can remember. It has given me so many great memories and taught me the work ethic and leadership skills that I carry with me both on and off the field. Through every game and every challenge, soccer has helped me grow. It's made me the person I am today."
Other signees who could not attend the event included Mia Reidy (swim, Macalester College) and Jack Van Amburg (basketball, Sarah Lawrence College). For Mr. Pierce, CFHS Signing Day was less an ending than a transition.
"Today is not the finish line," he told the athletes. "It's a starting point for what comes next. Be patient with yourselves. When things don't go as planned — and at some point, they won't — trust your training and persevere. You have all done it before. Growth often comes from discomfort. Embrace those moments, because they will shape who you become."