Juan Diego students excel in soccer and baseball

DRAPER — Juan Diego Catholic High School senior Megan Maldonado shies away from the limelight, but not from the soccer ball. In searching for a college to attend, she tried to find an institution like Juan Diego, a smaller Catholic school with a strong sense of community.

Maldonado begrudgingly allowed her father to send video footage of her games to several colleges, and was quickly offered a full four-year scholarship to attend St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif. Maldonado has played in local recreation teams since she was 4 years old.

As midfielder and captain of the Soaring Eagle girls’ soccer team, Maldonado was named Academic All-Region, and All State Soccer 1st Team by the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News. She helped lead the team to two Region 8 Championships, and Juan Diego’s first 3A State finals in 2006.

Besides being a captain on the soccer team, she is also involved in school government and is a constant on the honor roll for her academics.

Seth Dolar, a senior at Juan Diego, signed with Scottsdale Community College in Arizona to play baseball next year. As a catcher for the Soaring Eagle baseball team since 2004, Dolar enjoyed winning two Division 2A State Championships and a tie for the Division 3A Region 8 Championship in Juan Diego’s first year in the 3A classification.

Dolar has been a catcher for several Utah Baseball All-Star and Junior Olympic teams. This year, he is hitting an average .480 with 36 RBI’s (runners batted in), and is renowned for throwing out most attempts at base stealing.

"Seth has grown as a player and person in his four years at Juan Diego. His commitment to community service and his fellow teammates is admirable," said Steve Cramblitt, Juan Diego baseball coach and athletic director. "Seth is a good receiver with an excellent arm and quick release. He has a quick bat and hits for power. He has the desire, skill set, and determination to be successful at the college and professional levels."

"Dolar has learned his craft. He’s been a student of the game and has come out really focused on what he wants to accomplish," said Cramblitt. "He has worked very hard in the weight room to get really strong."

Dolar was selected Prep of the Week by Deseret Morning News. He is a three-year starter and went 6-for-10 at the plate with three singles, two doubles, a triple, and 10 RBIs.

Dolar plans to study criminal justice, with aspirations of working for the Drug Enforcement Administration to help fight illegal drugs. He is an "explorer" member of the Sandy City Police Dept. where he is learning the role of officer. Dolar seeks to prevent young people from choosing to use drugs that ultimately destroy their careers or lives.