Aspen High School is proud to send seven graduating seniors on to compete in college athletics.
On Tuesday, the Skiers wrapped up their signing season by honoring three more student-athletes who are advancing to the next level. This brings the total number of signees to seven.
Josh Ford will play basketball at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. Niamh Nelson is headed to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, for Nordic skiing. Alec Slesinger-Hall, who was recognized earlier in February, will continue his football career at Colorado Mesa University.
These three join previously announced signees: Henry Hurd (Brown University, football), William Jones (Harvey Mudd College, swimming), Lenna Persson (South Dakota State, golf), and Haley Schmela (University of California, Santa Barbara, lacrosse).
Reflecting on his commitment, Ford said, “All the sacrifice and time and energy over the years has paid off. To say you’re committed and know you can keep playing the sport you love is an amazing feeling.”
Athletic Director John Castrese gathered the athletes, their families, and coaches in front of their classmates at the school’s gym Tuesday morning. Many younger students watched, inspired by those who have earned their place at the collegiate level.
Ford played varsity basketball all four years, even getting court time as a freshman during the team’s undefeated run to the 3A state championship. By his sophomore year, he became a starter and scored 175 points. He followed with at least 140 points in each of his last two seasons. Ford also played football, recording three interceptions during his senior year.
“Josh Ford truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete,” said boys basketball coach Cory Parker. “He carries himself with integrity in the classroom, on the court, and around school. Those who have seen him play know he shows these qualities on the field as well.”
Nelson joined Aspen High as a junior and quickly became part of the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club team. In March, she placed 44th in the women’s 10km mass-start freestyle race at the National Junior Championships. She also competed in cross-country running, finishing 11th at the Chris Severy Invitational last October.
“Even though Niamh has only been with us for two years, it feels like she has been part of the program forever,” said AVSC Nordic coach Sophie Caldwell Hamilton. “She’s a humble, hardworking leader and a great role model for younger athletes.”
Slesinger-Hall, who was honored earlier this year alongside Henry Hurd, bounced back from a junior-year injury to deliver a strong senior season. He stood out as a large, athletic defensive lineman, finishing with 49 tackles and four sacks.
“We’re very proud of Alec’s dedication and hard work,” said his younger brother Chase during Tuesday’s ceremony. “We know he will do great things at Colorado Mesa University, thanks to God.”
Though Schmela did not attend a signing event at the school, she earned second-team all-state honors for her role on Aspen’s 11-6 girls lacrosse team. Her 70 goals tied for seventh most in the 3A classification during her senior season.
Henry Hurd will join Division I Brown University as one of the top football prospects the school has produced in over a decade. Playing tight end, Hurd earned many state and national awards, including being a finalist for The Denver Post’s Gold Helmet award, which honors Colorado’s top football student-athlete.
William Jones ranks as the 27th best swimming recruit in Colorado. He recently finished second in the 500-yard freestyle and fifth in the 200-yard freestyle at the 4A state championships as part of the Glenwood Springs High School swim team.
Lenna Persson just finished her golf season with a sixth-place finish at the 2A state championship on May 20. A three-time regional champion, Persson led Aspen to second place at the 2023 state tournament held in Aspen, where she finished fourth individually.
Castrese thanked the athletes’ families and coaches for their support. He noted that signing day ceremonies have been held for several years to inspire younger athletes to pursue their dreams of playing at the next level.
He invited the signees to offer advice to their peers.
“Take advantage of every opportunity,” Nelson said. “Say yes to things that might make you uncomfortable. Pushing your comfort zone can lead to great and exciting things.”