Three Solon High School student-athletes have decided to take their talents to a Division I school to compete with the best of the best. Here are the fall sport athletes who have committed to playing college in their respective sports.

Carley Goldberg, Girls Soccer, Kent State University

Carley Goldberg, a four-year varsity letter winner, plans to stay close and continue her soccer career at Kent State University. Goldberg, a 2-year team captain, was a leader and a vital part of the Comets attack. She’s scored six goals this year. Goldberg has also received several accolades including two Greater Cleveland Conference awards and a Greater Cleveland Honorable Mention. Now with her high school career arriving at its end, expect her to make an impact for the Golden Flashes. Her technical skills combined with her leadership and passion for the game are traits that are perfect for a D1 athlete.

RF: Why did you choose to commit to Kent State?

CG: First, it has always been my dream to play division one soccer, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity. I also know the coaches from going to camps and really like them. It being close to home is important for me as well, so my parents can come watch me play. Overall, it is a perfect fit for me.

RF: Who has had the biggest impact on you during your time at SHS?

CG: My dad, definitely. He’s been really supportive and pushes me to be my best. I see him work super hard and that makes me work super hard.

RF: Where do you see yourself in a few years? 

CG: I see myself fitting in with the team and the school very well. I obviously want to be playing, not sitting on the bench, but I wanna be winning.

RF: What will you miss the most about playing soccer at SHS?

CG: Being with my friends and doing what I love every day, whether [it’s] practice or games.

RF: What was your favorite sports memory?

CG: Freshman year playing with my sister. In a playoff game, we both scored goals and ended up winning 2-1, so that was really special.  

Jonny Ciccero, Cross Country and Track, George Washington University

The Solon Cross Country and Distance Track Team is a machine in producing college-ready runners. They’ve produced numerous D1 runners including Jonny Ciccero, who recently committed to continue his athletic career at George Washington University. Ciccero started his high school running career on JV but made great strides to become the D1 caliber athlete he is today. For reference, Ciccero was running an 18:20 5k his freshman year. He cut that time to 16:15 by his senior year, which is a blistering 5:25 mile split. Ciccero broke out his junior season. He became the second-fastest runner on the Cross Country team that took 3rd in the state and was part of an All Ohio Indoor Track Relay team (in 4×800). Ciccero’s running career has been one of finding a passion and tremendous work ethic, both of which are qualities that will help him become a successful runner at the next level.

RF: Why did you choose to commit to George Washington University?

JC: I took a visit there in early September, and I just love the DC area. The campus was nice, right in the middle of downtown. I also really like the coaches, and I met some of the players and they were awesome. The school has great academics and really satisfied everything that I was hoping for.

RF: Who has had the biggest impact on you during your time at SHS?

JC: Coach Wieczorek. I didn’t really give it my all freshman year. He was able to work with me and make me the runner I am right now.

RF: Where do you see yourself in a few years? 

JC: I want to see myself fit in with the team and find a close group of friends just like I did at Solon. Also, I want to be a part of a winning and successful team.

RF: What will you miss the most about Solon Cross Country and Track?

JC: The team, most of my best friends are from the team. Some graduated last year, but I still keep in close contact with them. It is just such a good family that we have created.

RF: What was your favorite sports memory?

JC: Getting 3rd in the state as a team [in cross country]. When we found out it was such a good feeling, we were all so excited for each other. It just showed that all our hard work paid off. It was pure excitement.

Najee Story, Football, Northwestern

The 6’4, 4-star defensive-end committed to Northwestern this past May. Story, who broke his leg sophomore year, only played two full years of varsity football. This year was his first full healthy season after still being afflicted by the injury his junior year. Story had an incredible year. He managed to get 33 tackles and a sack in only four games, with opponents double-teaming him. He was an impact player for the Comet defense and showed why he has multiple Power 5 offers. Story will fit in perfectly at Northwestern. He takes pride in his schoolwork, maintains a 3.85 cumulative GPA, and always has a smile on his face, making a positive impact on everyone he encounters. Najee Story will make a name for himself in the Wildcat purple and white. Take my word for it.

RF:  Why did you choose to commit to Northwestern University?

NS: It felt like it was a really good fit for me. It is everything I wanted in a school. They have great education, great coaches and it is not too far from home.

RF: Who has had the biggest impact on you during your time at SHS?

NS: The defensive line my sophomore year, guys like Nate Leskovec, David Marbury, Nick Close, and Yusef Russell– I learned a lot from both about football and leadership. They mentored me and had a really big impact on my development.

RF: Where do you see yourself in a few years?
NS: I would like to see myself playing a lot on the defensive line. I want to see myself doing well in the classroom, contributing to the team’s GPA.

RF: What will you miss the most about SHS?
NS: Playing on Friday nights under the lights at Stewart Field.