Cherise Horita signed to play NCAA Division II softball at California State University San Marcos on Thursday, Feb. 28 in a signing ceremony held in the new Kalani Judo/Wrestling room.

“Cal State University San Marcos has been my dream school, and I’ve never thought it could turn into reality,” Horita said.

At the end of the 2018 season, Horita was selected by Hawaii’s online sports platform, ScoringLive, as the Oahu Interscholastic Association East and Division II Player of the Year. She was also named Kalani High School’s 2018 Female Athlete of the year.

Last season, Horita was listed on ScoringLive as the softball DII leader in doubles, home runs, and strikeouts. Four games into this regular season, and now playing in DI, she has already hit two home runs.

“I would like to thank coach Price and coach Laster for opening doors for me that I never would have imagined was possible,” Horita said in her signing speech. “I would also like to thank my teammates for being such a big reason in why I love the game so much and my family and friends for supporting and being there for me every step of the way.”

Horita is grateful for her support system and is looking forward to her future. This year, she also participated in paddling, and track and field.

“I am excited to play ball at the next level and start a new chapter in life,” she said.