In a heartwarming celebration of talent and determination, Napavine High School's gymnasium was buzzing with excitement last Friday as eight standout seniors officially signed on to continue their athletic journeys at the collegiate level. This group, part of one of the most accomplished senior classes in the school's history, proved that small-school athletes can dream big—and make those dreams a reality.
Leading the charge was Hayden Kaut, a basketball star who helped lead the Tigers to a state championship in 2024 and a third-place finish in 2026. Kaut, known for her clutch performances and leadership on the court, signed with the University of Montana, a program that's sure to benefit from her tenacity and skill. She wasn't alone in making headlines, though—three of her teammates also locked in their next steps. Taylen Evander, the C2BL Co-MVP alongside Kaut this past winter, will bring her talents to Lower Columbia College, while Sophia Bittner is headed to Wenatchee Valley to play basketball. Hannay Fay, a versatile multi-sport athlete, will also join the Lower Columbia College family—but on the soccer field, showcasing her ability to excel across disciplines.
The signing ceremony wasn't just about basketball, either. Kennedy Purvis made it a trio of future Red Devils by signing with Lower Columbia College for volleyball, proving that Napavine's athletic pipeline is strong across multiple sports. Lyla Kirkpatrick will take her softball skills to Bellevue College, while the two young men in the group—Cal Bullock and Masen Jeg—are staying close to home. Bullock will play baseball at Centralia College, and Jeg is heading to Pacific Lutheran University to double up in football and track and field, a testament to his versatility and work ethic.
Napavine Athletics Director Josh Fay couldn't hide his pride, noting the rarity of having eight athletes from a 2B school move on to collegiate sports. "It's pretty neat," he said. "This is a great group of kids who have had a lot of success in everything they've done here. They're a big part of the overall culture of Napavine, both athletically and academically." For a small school, this signing day was a powerful reminder that passion and perseverance can open doors—and that the Tigers' legacy is in good hands.