High school seniors excel, sign Letters of Intent

SALT LAKE CITY/DRAPER — Leadership, the ability to play under pressure, and maturity are the qualities of three seniors who have signed Letters of Intent.

Joseph Glavin, a senior at Juan Diego Catholic High School, Draper, signed with the College of Southern Nevada in baseball as a middle infielder. Brieann Dimond, a senior at Juan Diego, signed with the College of Southern Idaho in softball as a pitcher. Lewis Walker, a senior at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, signed in football as a cornerback and special teams, such as kickoff returns and punt returns, with the University of Hawaii at Manoa on the island of Ohahu.

"Glavin is a middle infielder who plays second base, shortstop, and also pitches," said Steve Cramblitt, Juan Diego athletic director and head baseball coach. "Southern Nevada likes him and we like him because he is mentally tough and he has the ability to play at a very high level. He also has good leadership qualities. He really inspires others to play at a higher level because of how hard he plays, the way he hustles, and his mind set. He is a slick fielder in that he has real good hands, he has a quick release in throwing with a strong arm, and he has very good range. He covers a lot of ground and fields a lot of balls that the average guy is not going to get."

Cramblitt said Glavin has the ability to make a big play at any time. As a middle infielder he turns the double play very well, he is quick, and has some speed on his throw as it goes across the diamond. As a hitter, Glavin can hit for power. He is a good gap hitter, hits a lot of doubles, and a lot of line drives. He does not strike out very often, and he has the ability to drive in runs. He likes to play under pressure, which inspires others. He is also a good student who works hard in the classroom. He will be very successful in college."

"I have played at Juan Diego since I was a freshman," said Glavin. "I love playing for Juan Diego. Coach Cramblitt drives on mentally preparing for the games and ultimately becoming better, which has helped me mature and become more of an adult."

Although Glavin would like to make baseball his career, he plans to major in sports medicine or physical therapy.

Dimond, a two-sport athlete at Juan Diego, plays basketball and softball. Since her freshman year, she has earned a varsity letter in both sports. As a pitcher for the Soaring Eagle softball team, Dimond is unique because she is left handed, which she said helps put a special spin on the ball.

Dimond was instrumental in helping Juan Diego finish second and third in the state tournament in the past two years.As a sophomore, Dimond was selected Salt Lake Tribune 1st Team All-State and Deseret News 2nd Team All-State. As a junior, she was voted as the Region 8 Most Valuable player and made the Salt Lake Tribune 1st team All-State team. Dimond was a Deseret News 2nd Team All-State selection. She is also an excellent student, and has maintained a 3.87 cumulative grade point average throughout high school.

"She is one of the most coachable players I have ever had," said Tom Rodgers, Juan Diego softball coach. "She has such a desire to do her best. She is one of the best and most disciplined hitters on the team. She can tell right away whether a pitch is going to be a ball or a strike. She has good hand-eye coordination and she is confident. Her statistics are good. Her batting average is 410 and her earned run average is 1.67. On pitching rotation, she plays first base and she is also a good infielder."

Dimond is happy the College of Southern Idaho it is not too far away. She has met her some of her new teammates and they are all friendly. She is undecided about what her major will be, but is considering nutrition, pharmacy, or sports medicine.

Despite an unforeseen injury and a season on the sidelines, Walker conquered what could have been a devastating blow to his college career. He wanted to play for the University of Utah, but when that did not work for him, he set his sight on Hawaii.

"Hawaii is so far away, I wondered how they found me," said Lewis. "But they have always been exposed to Judge Memorial, and, it is Hawaii, so I think every kid would like to play football over there."

Walker broke his leg while playing at a football camp at Idaho State his junior year. He was playing quarter back, and started running outside to pass. He was hit by two defenders. One defender hit him high, and the other hit him low, which resulted in a fractured tibia. This put him out all summer and the whole season of his junior year except for the last two playoff games.

"This experience helped me become more mature, and I learned how to be a better teammate," said Lewis.

"His injury was negative in his playing experience, but in his personal life, it was a huge factor in his maturity and development," said James Cordova, Judge Memorial head football coach. "He had to learn to be a leader from the sidelines. He brought a lot to our program, not just athletically, but also as a leader and a communicator. Lewis would champion the team’s cause and he would champion his own cause.

"Last year, while he was injured, he would run around practice with a clipboard, asking questions," said Cordova. "He is definitely a student of the game, and likes to be involved and connected. He has always asked questions about what we do and why we do it trying to get the deeper meaning out of the different strategies."

Walker would like to major in international business and communications, and possibly stay in the field of sports as a commentator or writer. He said he will probably major in one and minor in the other.