Crestwood honored five of its student-athletes on Friday at its annual College Signing Day event. Pictured are (front row left to right) Lilly O’Bryant, Jazmyn Stevens, Bella Hunter and (back row left to right) Charlie Schweickert and Zoe Babnik.
Sheila Mathers/Special to Portage Sports

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Crestwood High School recognized five seniors on its College Signing Day on Friday morning in the school library.

Volleyball’s Zoe Babnik and Jazmyn Stevens, boys basketball’s Charlie Schweickert, softball’s Bella Hunter and track and field’s Lilly O’Bryant were all part of the special event.

All five signed their official letters of intent to continue their college academic and athletic careers.

Here is a detailed look at the five student-athletes:

ZOE BABNIK

College: Lakeland Community College.

Sport: Volleyball.

Area of academic interest: Radiology.

Notable: 288 service receptions and 157 digs.

Comment: “I never thought that I would have the chance to play in college, so I am very excited about everything. I found a place that fit for me, and I get to play with my best friend (Avery Shenkel), so I am really excited about that.”

BELLA HUNTER

College: Case Western Reserve University.

Sport: Softball.

Area of academic interest: Bio chemistry pre-med.

Notable: In 2023, she hit .541, had 33 hits, 10 doubles, two home runs, 21 RBI, 27 runs scored and had eight wins as a pitcher.

Comment: “I have played softball since coach pitch when I was 8 years old. Soccer was my first love, but I have loved softball for a long time. My dad played baseball, my uncle played baseball — so softball was just in my blood. By the time I was 12, I dreamed about being able to play in college. I feel really fortunate to have an opportunity to play at a school that has a great program and will also give me an unbelievable education.”

LILLY O’BRYANT

College: Hiram College.

Sport: Track and Field.

Area of academic interest: Early childhood education.

Notable: 2023 best was a throw of 91 feet, 10 inches in the discus. Best to date this season for the shot put, 30 feet, 4.5 inches.

Comment: “I switched from softball to track and field during my junior season, and I honestly didn’t think that I would do as well as I have done. I had not done track since my seventh grade year before that. I just trained and trained and trained to get where I am now, and I am very grateful for all of my coaches because they have really helped me achieve the goals I set for myself.”

CHARLIE SCHWEICKERT

College: Bethany College (W.V.)

Sport: Basketball.

Area of academic interest: Sports media.

Notable: 2023-24 season stats included 14.0 points per game, 108 field goals made, 74 3-pointers made and six charges taken. School record holder for career 3s made with 200. Finished with 841 career points.

Comment: “I made a difficult decision after my sophomore year to give up baseball and focus more on basketball. That was really my first adult decision of my life and it was not easy. My goal was to try to get a chance to play basketball in college and to have that dream become a reality feels really good. I feel accomplished and prideful, but it only happened with lots of hours of hard work and doing the work when no one was watching that helped me get to today.”

JAZYMYN STEVENS

College: Thiel College.

Sport: Volleyball.

Area of academic interest: Business.

Notable: Stats in 2023 included 35 aces, 155 kills and 242 assists. She was also named First Team All-Chagrin Valley Conference.

Comment: “I have played volleyball since I was 11. I just fell in love with the intensity of the sport and that there was always something happening. It means a lot to have my younger sisters, Harper and Brynn, watch me. One of them plays volleyball, and I see her look to me for approval sometimes and that feels good.”