A decorated senior class at Willoughby South is ready to turn the page, trading Rebels uniforms for college colors as they continue their academic and athletic journeys.
From the pool to the pitch, the track to the gridiron, this group represents the full spectrum of South athletics—and now, the next level is calling.
Leading the way on the soccer field, Paige Janson will continue her career at Otterbein University, where she plans to major in Biology and Zoology/Conservation. Her commitment reflects both her athletic drive and passion for the natural world.
In the water, Emmie Rausch heads to Hiram College to compete in swimming while pursuing a rigorous path in Biology, pre-veterinary medicine, and Spanish. Fellow swimmer Ava Shearer will continue her career at Kalamazoo College, where she plans to major in Business Administration.
On the football field, South will be well represented at Walsh University, where Brody Smith (Sports Business) and Jayden Hardy (Sports Medicine) will continue their careers at the collegiate level.
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Distance standout Tillie O’Donnell is set to run at the University of Mount Union, competing in cross country and track while majoring in Biology.
On the diamond, Halle Zupancic will continue her softball career at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), where she plans to study to become an ultrasound technician.
Volleyball standout Maisie Nawrocki will take her talents to Rider University, where she will major in Biology.
South’s presence will also be felt at one of the nation’s premier athletic programs, as Milli Ellis and Casey Heil will both row at Ohio State University. Ellis will join the Buckeyes’ rowing program, while Heil will balance her athletic career with a challenging major in Civil Engineering.
It’s a class defined not just by talent, but by versatility, ambition, and a willingness to chase opportunity wherever it leads. As they move on from South, they carry with them the foundation built in Willoughby—and the promise of what comes next.
