Last Friday, December 1, five Normal West seniors from three different sports signed their National Letters of Intent to continue to play at the collegiate level.

Senior Blake Crancer committed to play baseball at Des Moines Area Community College. Crancer is a valued member of the varsity baseball team as a three year starter. Last year, Crancer led the team in many areas including hits, doubles, and others. He also tied for the most homeruns. Head Normal West baseball coach Chris Hawkins shared his high hopes for Crancer’s senior season at the signing.

The Normal West softball team also celebrated three players’ commitments at this signing.

Emily McCandless, “a force to be reckoned with both behind the plate and at the plate as one of West’s most powerful hitters,” will be going to the College of the Holy Cross in the fall.

During her junior season, McCandless set a new school record for RBIs and was very close to reaching the single season homerun record.

Unfortunately, she tore her ACL during the summer season and it is yet to be seen if she will be back for her senior season. Even if she is not on the field McCandless will have an essential role on the team.

“Whether she will be calling pitches from the dugout or behind the plate, Emily continues to exemplify the true spirit of a team player” Head Coach April Schermann stated.

Kenzie Fasig is a four year varsity player on the Normal West softball team. She will be continuing her softball career as a pitcher at Danville Area Community College.

Fasig is a great team player and gives her all in anything she is asked to do on and off the field.

“Fasig is always willing to step up when her teammates need her the most.” Fasig has a highly anticipated senior season coming up and will be an essential part of not only the pitching staff, but the entire team,” Schermann added of Fasig.

While Senior Natalie Nenne had a big role on the volleyball court this past season, she is also a key piece of the Normal West softball team. Nenne is a versatile, athletic player who can be put in any position on the field and excel.

Next year, Nenne will play softball at Heartland Community College.

After an extremely successful season, Senior Sydnie Hernandez will take her talent to Bowling Green State University.

Hernandez led the team in digs (295) and aces, being “one of the best servers ever in the program,” Coach Kelsey Mueller shared.
“I really feel that she was the backbone of our team, especially this year with her consistency, mental toughness, and leadership,” Mueller added.

Her effort and intensity took the Normal West volleyball team to the next level and will carry on at Bowling Green State in the fall.

Congrats to all of these athletes on their commitment to play at the next level!