Football

For football, Jayden Lang plans to continue his athletics at the University of Central Missouri, while Seth Goins will go to Hutchinson Community College. With head coach Brian King guiding them through their football careers, the Wildcats have won five conference titles and six regional championships. Regarding Lang and Goins’ strengths as football players, King touches on their similarities to past college commits.

“They’re all just good culture guys,” King said. “Colleges like good culture guys, kids that aren’t having big distractions and will work hard, that aren’t ‘me me’ guys; they’re selfless guys who will work and show up every day.”

Basketball

Mackenzie Farmer plans to play basketball at the University of Central Missouri, and Quinn Carpenter will continue her career at the University of Saint Mary. With their overall record being 18-3 and Makenzie Farmer setting multiple school records, this past season has been one to remember. Head coach Ryan Robie speaks on what he wishes for the two of them in college.

“I hope they find their people. It’s going to be a challenge for them, but I know they’re going to a great place where they’re going to grow and prosper,” Robie said.

Soccer

Girls’ soccer has also had success with signing athletes. In December 2024, Sydney Coffman signed to play for Kansas State University. This year, Emily Morris signed to play for Baker University in April. Regarding her achievements on the field, head coach Jesse Smith speaks on how Morris has developed in her sport and character over the years.

“Emily’s biggest area of growth has been her determination and resilience,” Smith said. “Emily has had to work exceptionally hard to be where she is right now.”

Bowling

Regarding bowling, Kira Lynch has made an enormous impact on the team as a whole. By inspiring interest in the sport of bowling amongst newcomers and having the 4th highest series of all time at DHS, Lynch is on her way to greatness at Avila University, where she plans to continue her bowling career. When noting Lynch’s strengths, head coach Susan Smith elaborates on the difficulty of finding the silver lining amidst injury scares.

“Working with being patient with herself and taking one day at a time, and just using that time to overcome the challenge, to find a way despite the injury and the pain, and come out on top has been a challenge that’s helped her grow to be able to maintain that positive outlook,” Smith said.

Wrestling

Gabriella Chaney has also made a large impact on De Soto wrestling, as she was the first female to wrestle for the school. Along with qualifying for state four years in a row and inspiring commitment to the sport, Chaney is planning to sign on to Waldorf University. Head coach Javier Vieyra elaborates on Chaney’s commitment to being a team player.

“The group of freshmen we have this year, and even some of the sophomores who will return next year, are a large part of her work ethic,” Vieyra said. “She was their biggest cheerleader.”

Swimming

For the DHS swim team, Laiken Vorthmann plans to attend Quincy University. In 2024, Laiken set eight records in just two seasons, including the 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley, and 100 breaststroke. Head swim coach Melissa Knapp expresses her appreciation for Laiken’s resilience despite his newness to the team.

w“Starting as a new student during junior year can be a significant challenge, but Laiken approached it with openness and determination,” Knapp said. “Laiken joined practices ready to connect with teammates and quickly became an integral part of the team.”

Baseball

In recent years, the DHS boys’ baseball team has been prolific. At the end of the 2023-2024 season, the Wildcats were 20-6 and were the number one seed in the 5A East conference going into the postseason. Players who are committing to various colleges to play baseball include Evan Fleet (Cowley County Community College), Bradley Janes (Cloud County Community College), Cade Martinez (Lindenwood University), Brett McQueeny (Park University), Noah Thompson (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville), and Phoenix Thompson (Cloud County Community College). When referring to the success of his players, head coach Joel Thaemert shares what they have learned throughout their time playing baseball at DHS.

“Over the years, they’ve continued to grow their games and their skill levels,” Thaemert said. “They’ve become men, they’ve worked really hard in the weight room, and they’ve went about their business in a positive way.”

Softball

For De Soto softball, Kennedy Zans plans to continue her career at Central Methodist University. While the Wildcats only had an 11-16 record for the 2023-2024 season, Zans showed her talent and tenacity by scoring several runs per game. In acknowledgment of her work ethic, head coach Junelle Woolery explains what she hopes Zan finds in the college setting.

“I hope that she goes and has a good experience, makes relationships, makes friendships with the girls she’s playing, [and] enjoys her college experience,” Woolery said.

XC and Track

Brooke Bundt and Vance Krudwig have been all-stars since they first set foot on the track. Bundt’s cross country and track career has certainly been one to remember, as her numerous records in events like the 800m relay and the 4 x 400m relay cement her as one of DHS’s best female runners. Krudwig has placed first numerous times in meets like the De Soto Invitational in recent years, and his record in the 4 x 800m relay is equally impressive.

For their collegiate careers, Bundt will continue at the Colorado School of Mines, while Krudwig plans on attending Kansas State University. Their hard work and dedication to their sport have certainly been noticed by head coach Jack Sachse.

“They were both very talented early in their careers, and I think they’ve both developed over time,” Sachse said. “As seniors now, they’re not only some of the best in Kansas, but arguably, some of the best in the whole country.”