Eleven Servite student-athletes were recognized Wednesday, November 10 during a ceremony held in the gym as they committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at four-year universities! Three sports were represented with baseball leading all teams with six players followed by soccer with three and golf with two.
Athletic Director Alan Clinton shared, “We are incredibly proud of this group of talented student-athletes! It is always an incredible feat to earn the opportunity to play at the next level but considering what these young men have gone through over the last couple years, the accomplishment is even greater.”
He added, “We are so grateful for the way these Friars have represented Servite during their high school careers and are excited to see what they accomplish this year before moving on to compete collegiately.”
Baseball
Xavier Cardenas III, RHP – San Diego State
A three-year varsity letterman, Cardenas is a 2x Area Code invitee and a 2021 Perfect Game All-American.
Chris Grothues, LHP – UCLA
A four-year varsity letterman, Grothues earned 1st Team All-Trinity League in 2019 while being invited to the Area Code Underclass Games in 2020.
Jarrod Hocking, OF – UCLA
A three-year varsity letterman, Hocking was leading the team in RBIs and Runs Scored while hitting .345 in 2020 before COVID halted their season then an injury interrupted his junior campaign.
David Ladjevic, RHP – Long Beach State
A two-year varsity letterman, Ladjevic chose Long Beach because of the winning culture they’ve established and the way they develop players and move them on to the next level.
Mikiah Negrete, LHP – University of San Diego
A two-year varsity letterman, Negrete earned Pitcher of the Year for Servite in 2021 while also being selected 1st Team All-Trinity League.
Trevor Schmidt, OF/P – University of Arizona
A four-year varsity letterman, Schmidt is a 2x All-Trinity League selection.
Golf
Jack Cantlay – Long Beach State
A four-year varsity letterman, Cantlay was recognized 2nd Team All-Trinity League in 2021. He helped lead the team to the school’s first CIF Regional State Championship last season while also winning Trinity League and CIF team titles in 2019 when the Friars went undefeated with a perfect 18-0 record.
Chip Deegan – US Naval Academy
A four-year varsity letterman, Deegan earned 1st Team All-Trinity League honors in 2021. He helped lead the team to the school’s first CIF Regional State Championship last season while also winning Trinity League and CIF team titles in 2019 when the Friars went undefeated with a perfect 18-0 record.
Soccer
Justin Faison – Sacramento State
A two-year varsity letterman, Faison earned 1st Team All-Trinity League recognition in 2021 while helping lead the team to a Trinity League Championship and both a CIF-SS semifinal and CIF Regional berth. Faison also runs track for the Friars.
Lucas Gimenez – Sacramento State
A three-year varsity letterman, Gimenez was selected 2nd Team All-Trinity League in 2021. He also won Trinity League Championships with the team his sophomore and junior years and CIF in 2020 while nearly reaching the finals once again last season. Gimenez also kicks for the football team.
Eddie Villeda – UC Santa Barbara
A four-year varsity letterman, Villeda is a 3x All-Trinity League selection and a 2021 All-CIF honoree. He also earned All-SCA recognition in 2020. In addition, he won team Trinity League titles in 2019, 2020 and 2021 while helping lead the team to the 2020 CIF-SS D1 Championship and a semifinals berth last season.
