Aptos Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

Leonardini, Belton Both Heading to Division-I Universities

By Michael Oppenheimer

On November 18, friends, family and faculty gathered at the Aptos High School main office to celebrate as Seniors Tommy Leonardini and Jenna Belton officially accepted scholarships to universities by signing their letters of intent, Leonardini at the University of San Francisco and Belton at University of Southern California.

“We’re very proud of you,” Mariners Athletic Director Mark Dorfman said to the two athletes and the gathered crowd. “Never forget, wherever life takes you, you will always have a support system here in Aptos.”

Leonardini’s decision to take the partial scholarship from USF after connecting with the school and his future teammates on the Dons’ baseball team.

“Everything I saw and everyone I met helped me make the decision,” he said. “The Coaches and the players were great. They all were there for me at a simple baseball camp. That’s an environment I want to be a part of.”

A lot of factors went into Belton accepting a partial scholarship for Beach Volleyball — called Sand Volleyball at inland programs — at USC, not the least of which being its location.

“L.A. is the hub of Beach Volleyball,” Belton said. “The location is great and I love the school and the coaches.”

“And the sport, of course,” she added with a smile.