CONCORD, CA, April 23, 2025, at 1:30 PM PDT—Carondelet High School announced that seven Cougar student-athletes signed commitments today to continue their athletic career in college.

Jadyn Ard will continue her Rugby career at UC Berkeley as a Bear. Jadyn's honors include Varsity all four years, Captain two years, two-time MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and winning three 10s Spring Championships in three years. She chose Cal because she wants to compete for her sport at the collegiate level, while also getting an education at one of the top universities in the country. Cal has a great team: It's D1 and strong! Congratulations, Jadyn, and go Bears!
 

Kelsey Castillo will embark on the next chapter of her Soccer career at Chapman University as a Panther. Kelsey, a scholar athlete all four years, was Team Captain on her San Ramon FC freshman and sophomore years. She also played for Pleasanton Rage on the Elite Clubs National League Team. For two summers, she played with the semi-pro USL W team at Rage, and is now in the Stands for Women United soccer league. In 2022, Kelsey played in the Donosti Cup in Spain, where she was ranked top 25 for goals in the tournament. She chose Chapman because she was looking for the best fit with a balanced mix of athletics and academics. Chapman is close to home, a tight-knit community, and near the beach with a soccer program that stood out because of its amazing coaching staff, competitive atmosphere, and style of play. Chapman's small class sizes will strengthen her relationships with her professors, leading her to achieve overall success in the classroom and on the field. Congratulations, Kelsey, and go Panthers!
 

Gianna Gnusti is ready to bring her Rugby talent to the University of Oregon as a Duck. Gianna's athletic accolades include JV Captain sophomore year, travelling to Utah with an all-star team, playing in Pennsylvania, and Varsity Captain. Gianna had shoulder surgery at the beginning of her senior year in September, but was back to playing in February. She chose to continue her athletic and academic career at the University of Oregon because it has great academics and athletics, it felt like home, and she loves Oregon. Congratulations, Gianna, and go Ducks!


 

Jordan Kixmiller is continuing her Rugby career at California State University, Fresno as a Bulldog. Jordan's honors include Defensive Player of the Year. She chose Fresno State because of its amazing reputation for winemaking and the viticulture program. Fresno State is an extremely diverse school, which is important to Jordan, and it offers many sports and on-campus activities she finds valuable and resourceful. Congratulations, Jordan, and go Bulldogs!



 

Mackenzi McLaughlin is ready to continue her Rugby career at Boise State University as a Bronco. Mackenzi's accolades include Cougars B Side Team Captain, honorable mention MVP, most improved player 1st season, and 10s 2024 Championship. Mackenzi chose Boise to strengthen her relationship with her long-distance family members, and to make new memories in a new state. There are lots of opportunities she is looking forward to academically and broadening her perspectives. Congratulations, Mackenzi, and go Broncos!



 

Elizabeth Rachwald is continuing her Rugby career at the United States Naval Academy as a Midshipman. Lizzie earned a starting position in her first season of rugby her senior year. Fun fact about Lizzie, she joined the Boys Scouts as soon as they opened membership to girls and became a strong advocate. Her Eagle Scout project was a potting station for the Carondelet Cannon Wellness Center Gratitude Garden. She chose the Naval Academy for many reasons, including academics. Navy has some of the best facilities and strongest professors in the country. She felt right at home on the campus when she visited. She also wants to give back to the country that has given her so much. Congratulations, Lizzie, and go Midshipmen!

 

Renata Salerno is ready to reach new goals in her Soccer career at Golden West College as a Rustler. Renata was JV Team Captain, won the Sportsmanship Award, was a lead scorer, and scored the first goal within 10 seconds in a championship game, which led to her being named SURF Tournament MVP. Renata chose Golden West College because of the beautiful Southern California location, the opportunity to continue her athletic pursuits, and her connection with Coach Barone. Additionally, she is confident that the student support services at Golden West will enable her to successfully pursue her goal of becoming a Registered Travel Nurse. Renata trusts that Golden West College will help her grow into the best version of herself—academically, physically, personally, and spiritually. Congratulations, Renata, and go Rustlers!

 

Director of Athletics Steve Stokes said, "We are thrilled to honor the outstanding accomplishments of our Carondelet student-athletes! These talented young women embody the core values of our school—displaying heart, faith, courage, and excellence in both their academic and athletic pursuits. Through their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and commitment, they have cultivated the skills, character, and mindset that will serve them well as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their collegiate journeys."

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About Carondelet Athletics

Carondelet Athletics sponsors 36 teams, 18 sports, 500+ student-athletes with an average GPA of 3.65, and one Cougar Nation! In Carondelet's 60 years, the school has won 148 League Championships, 63 NCS Team Championships, 18 National Cheer and Dance Championships, Eight Northern California Team Championships, Four State Team Championships, Three Individual State Championships, Two National Team Championships, and One Individual National Championship. The high school offers a unique athletics experience where students enjoy the opportunity to develop athletic abilities concurrently with the development of the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, sportsmanship, school tradition, and spirit.

About Carondelet High School

Carondelet is a Catholic college-prep high school in the East Bay that offers young women a transformative educational experience. Since its founding in 1965, Carondelet has combined academic excellence and a recognition of the unique gifts of each of its students. The school's focus is a woman-centered, comprehensive educational program designed to help young women build confidence and prepare for leadership and service in the 21st century.