Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Six Prince of Peace senior athletes sign national letters of intent

By Pegasus News wire

Six Prince of Peace Christian School (POPCS) seniors sign national letters of intent to play collegiate athletics: Sloan Brandon (Carrollton) will play volleyball for University of Concordia; Tiffany Firebaugh (Carrollton) will play volleyball for Columbia University in the City of New York; Yui Iwase (Plano) will play volleyball for Indiana Wesleyan University; Josh Koeppe (Plano) will play soccer for the United States Military Academy at West Point; Kyle Russ (Carrollton) will play soccer for Mississippi College; and Lauren Raynes (Dallas) will play golf for Centenary College of Louisiana.

Prince of Peace

Back Row – L–R: George & Ruth Brandon; Stan & Sally Firebaugh; Heidi Henke, Prince of Peace Volleyball Coach; ; Naoko & Yoshi Iwase; Bill & Shari Koeppe; Lex Raynes; Scott Musick, Prince of Peace Golf Coach; Paul & Kim Russ; and Tatu, Prince of Peace Soccer Coach.
Front Row – L-R: Sloan Brandon (Carrollton), Tiffany Firebaugh (Carrollton), Yui Iwase (Plano), Josh Koeppe (Plano ), Lauren Raynes (Dallas), Kyle Russ (Carrollton)

“This is the culmination of incredibly hard work not only in our athletic program, but also in our academic program,” said Chris Hahn, Prince of Peace Christian School, Headmaster. “Our seniors are headed to outstanding schools, and these scholarships are a tribute in part to each of them for fully utilizing their God given gifts and abilities and also to their families, teachers and fellow students. We are extremely proud of these students’ achievements.”

Sloan Brandon of Carrollton has been a student at POPCS since 2006. She was awarded academic and athletic scholarships to play National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in track and volleyball at the University of Concordia Seward. Her accomplishments include All-District first team volleyball 2007 and 2008; All-State second team volleyball 2007 and 2008; and All-State Academic 2007 and 2008.

“Playing volleyball at POPCS has been a great experience,” said Sloan Brandon. “I am looking forward to collegiate volleyball and going to the next level of competition in both volleyball and track while continuing to grow in my faith.”

Additional accomplishments by Brandon include All-State academic soccer 2009; All-State second team soccer 2009; All-District first team soccer 2009; All-State second team 100 meters hurdles 2007; All-State second team 300 meters hurdles 2007; and All-State third team pole vault 2007.

Prince of Peace

Back Row – L-R George & Ruth Brandon; Stan & Sally Firebaugh; Heidi Henke, Prince of Peace Volleyball Coach; ; Yoshi Naoko & Iwase;
Front Row – L-R: Sloan Brandon (Carrollton - 75007), Tiffany Firebaugh (Carrollton – 75007), Yui Iwase (Plano – 75024)

Tiffany Firebaugh of Carrollton will play volleyball at Columbia University in the City of New York. She has been a student at POPCS for 13 years.

“Prince of Peace volleyball has been such a special experience,” said Firebaugh. “The enthusiasm of the student body, faculty and families is electrifying and thrilling. My dream has always been to play volleyball on Division 1 level at a school that would challenge me academically. To have that opportunity now and to have spent so many years on the POPCS court is a culmination of so many memories and dreams coming together. It’s very surreal to me.”

Firebaugh’s accomplishments include being All-District first team all four years of high school; All-District MVP freshmen, junior and senior years; All-State first team junior and senior years; All-State second team sophomore year; All-State tournament team junior year; POPCS team captain junior and senior years; and named POPCS’ offensive player of the year senior year.

Yui Iwase of Plano has been awarded academic and athletic scholarships to play NAIA volleyball at Indiana Wesleyan College. Her accomplishments include All-State Academic team senior year; All-State first team senior year; All-District first team senior year; All-State first team junior and freshman year; and All-District first team junior year.

“I am more than thrilled to play at Indiana Wesleyan College,” said Iwase. “The next four years of my life will be filled with volleyball and pre-med studies. I should be very busy!”

Josh Koeppe of Plano will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. Josh has been a student at POPCS the past four years and a member on two of the four-time state champion POPCS Eagles soccer team. He will play soccer at West Point.

“Receiving an appointment to the most premiere learning institution in America is an honor,” shared Koeppe. “I am thrilled at the prospect of attending West Point and will do my best to serve my country.”

Prince of Peace

Back Row – L-R: Shari & Bill Koeppe; Tatu, Prince of Peace Soccer Coach; Paul & Kim Russ
Front Row – L-R: Josh Koeppe (Plano), Kyle Russ (Carrollton)

Josh’s accomplishments include All-State first team soccer 2008 – 2009; All-District first team soccer 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. He was voted Newcomer of the Year in 2008 and is the POPCS record holder for the 300 meter and 800 meter run. He will study law at West Point.

Kyle Russ of Carrollton will play Division III Soccer at Mississippi College. He was named All-District first team his junior year and All-District second team his sophomore year.

“Being able to play soccer at POPCS the past four years has been an awesome experience,” said Russ. “Having Tatu as my coach, I’ve learned from one of the greatest players in the world. I’m looking forward to carrying his lessons with me as I play at Mississippi College.”

Lauren Raynes of Dallas received both an academic scholarship and golf scholarship to the Centenary College of Louisiana. She has been POPCS student for last five years. Her accomplishments include being a member of the District Championship team in 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2008 the POPCS golf team was State and Regional Champions.

“If you work hard and take initiative and listen to your coaches, you can attain more than you ever thought possible,” shared Raynes. “I am very excited! Hard work and prayers pay off! I can’t wait to be a part of Centenary’s successful team.”

Additional accomplishments for Raynes include POPCS team captain, 2009; second place, Brook Hill Classic, 2009; second place, District, 2009; second place, Holy Trinity Invitational, 2009; All-District team, 2008; first place, POPCS Invitational, 2008; first place, Firewheel Invitational, 2008; third place, State, 2008; second place, Regionals, 2008; third place, District, 2008; second place, Holy Trinity Invitational, 2008; State, Regional and District team, 2007; and District team, 2006.

“All of these students are spectacular athletes, but more importantly they are mature young adults. All have demonstrated leadership, integrity, commitment to excellence and are role models in our school,” said Earl Garland, POPCS, athletic director. “Sloan is a team player. Tiffany is a powerhouse on and off the field. Yui is a natural leader. Josh is unselfish in his play and consequently an important part in all plays. Kyle has been committed to a strong work ethic that made him a valuable player on two state championship teams. And Lauren is consistent, always striving to improve and learn in everything she does. We are blessed to have these students go out and represent our school. It’s the best testament to what we’re doing here, which is educating and developing strong, faith-driven individuals who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Source: Prince of Peace

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