Out of all athletes, one in 13 go on to play college sports, according to scholarshipstats.com. Former CV student Nolan Laufenberg went off to play Division One (D-1) football at the Air Force Academy. In order to make it to a D-1 football school, Laufenberg had goals.

“When I was in high school, my goal for football was for it to take me to the next level. In order for me to be able to do that, I had to be the best player and the best teammate I could possibly be,” Laufenberg said

During and after college, however, his goals changed.

“In my opinion, it is important to set achievable goals and use them as milestones to achieve a long term big goal. My goal after college was to get signed to a team and get my foot in the door. My goal now is to make an active roster, which I am still working on. My next goal will be to get meaningful plays in a regular season football game. After that will be to be a starter for a team in the NFL. At that point, my ultimate goal is to be a pro bowl caliber player and to be a part of a team that wins a Super Bowl, no matter what my role is on the team,”  Laufenberg said.

Now he is an offensive lineman for the Washington Commanders, currently signed to their practice squad.

Josh Pinello also a former CV student as well as went on after high school to play division two football at Minot State University.

“In high school, I focused on what I wanted to become. I worked very hard to perfect my craft and I made sure that I knew what I wanted: to become a college football player to take that next step,” Pinello said.

Many athletes have goals for what they want to do after high school, whether it’s going to college to continue their academics or getting a job. Senior Joe Ursetta’s goals are different.

“After high school, I want to get a job in the entertainment industry. I’ll be moving to California with my own place. Many people are surprised by this aim in reality. Most people assume that I would like to play football or at least attend school, but this is the only dream I have.” Ursetta said.

Furthermore, Jackson Litvins’s goals after high school are to either beyond his football career or go into sports marketing.

“As a freshman I always had the idea I’d go off to play sports in college but getting into my senior year, I think it’s changed a little. I’ve looked at the bigger picture of what fits me best and that could be sports, or it could be a different career,” Litvins said.

Not just athletes are getting opportunities, however. Lily Henak, a former CV Media student, is a full-time reporter for the men’s basketball and football team at the University of Kansas. She is also a producer and host of the biggest show at KU.

”If you have a goal, go for it. Don’t settle,” Pinello said.