Paloma athletes announce their college selections

Four student-athletes who signed letters of intent to accept college scholarships were introduced at Paloma Valley High. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

Four of the top student-athletes at Paloma Valley High School this year were recognized by school administrators, their coaches and fellow students this week as they signed national letters of intent to accept scholarships at colleges and universities.

"This is what you've worked so hard for all four years -- to have this opportunity," football and track and field coach Bert Esposito said Wednesday in introducing the student-athletes.

"It's not only what they've done on the field or track, but what they've done in the classroom," added coach Juan Merida, who coordinates recruiting contacts by colleges.

Here's a look at the athletes who signed letters of intent for Paloma Valley:

Chris Portman
Dordt College
Football

The 6-foot, 250-pound lineman played a key role for the Wildcats last fall, helping them win their first nine games of the season.

He will travel to Sioux City, Iowa to join the NAIA Defenders, who were 5-6 last season. Portman said he chose the school because of its agriculture program.

Dylan Rodriguez
Briar Cliff University
Football

Rodriguez excelled at linebacker for the Wildcats last fall. He finished with 21 tackles and 2 sacks and is ready to take it to the next level for the NAIA Chargers, who are rebuilding after a losing season in 2016.

Rodriguez said he is considering studying kinesiology and/or business at Briar Cliff.

Damatria Willingham
UC Irvine
Track and field

Willingham has high ambitions, saying one of the reasons she chose UC Irvine is because of its medical school. She hopes to become a doctor one day.

Her talent in track and field is evident in her performances. Last spring, Willingham won the 100 meters and 200 meters and was part of winning times in the 400 and 1,600-meter relays for the Wildcats, who won the league title.

Nick Naranjo
Dordt College
Football

Naranjo, who will join Wildcats teammate Chris Portman at Dordt College in Iowa, said he chose the school because "it felt like home."

The 6-foot, 170-pound senior was in on 20 tackles and had an interception last fall, helping Paloma Valley to a 9-2 record.