Solon High School has three star athletes: Bethany Mercer, Kaitlin Kormuth, and Grace Pearlburg have signed letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic scholarships for the next four years of their lives.

Bethany Mercer, Girls Diving, University of Illinois Diving

Bethany Mercer, who has had many achievements throughout her high school career, will be taking her talents to the Big 10. Mercer will be joining the University of Illinois Diving Team this fall. Throughout her high school career, she has been a four year varsity athlete, all-conference athlete and all-state athlete. Now, with this new chapter at University of Illinois, expect Mercer to be making a beneficial impact on the team.

RR: Why did you choose to commit to the University of Illinois?

BM: The second I stepped on campus I knew it was the right fit. I have always dreamed of going to a Big 10 school, and I am so excited that I get an opportunity to compete for one. The team atmosphere and coaching staff are amazing, and I am so thankful that I get to be part of something bigger than myself.

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

BM: I would say that my parents have had the biggest impact on me throughout high school. Aside from driving me all around the country for diving meets, they have given me so much support and love. I’m so thankful for them and know that their impact on me will continue throughout my collegiate career.

RR: What are you most excited about for your first season at University of Illinois?

BM: I’m so excited to work with the coaches and the rest of the staff to see how much I can grow as both a diver and a person.

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

BM: I see myself as a captain of the Illinois Swim and Dive team! After that, I hope to become a graduate assistant for the team.

RR: What will you miss most about Solon diving?

BM: I am really going to miss the team. I have never been closer with a group of people. While I look forward to being a part of the Illinois team, I will always cherish the relationships that I have made on SSD.

RR: What was your favorite sports memory?

BM: My favorite sports memory is when I qualified for my first USA Diving National Championship.

Kaitlin Kormuth, Womens Golf, Cleveland State University

Kaitlin Kormuth has been a huge asset to the Solon Girls Golf team since her first year in high school. Kormuth is a four year varsity athlete, four time first team all-conference athlete, and was named player of the year twice during her high school career. Coming off of an amazing season where she placed 15th at the state tournament this year, Kormuth earned her offer to play D1 at Cleveland State University.

RR: Why did you choose to commit to Cleveland State University?

KK: I chose to commit to Cleveland State because when I went for my visit both the coach and the team were super nice, very welcoming and friendly. Also, I felt like being in the city of Cleveland would give me a lot of opportunity in the future. So, I knew it would be a good fit for me.

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

KK: I would say Coach Kopkas and Coach Wentz– they are just both really supportive of me. They have always been by my side– especially through the recruiting process they were both extremely helpful.

RR: What are you most excited about for your first season at Cleveland State University?

KK: I’m most excited to be able to be with my teammates and also experience the opportunity to travel around and out of state for golf events.

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

KK: In the future, I want to pursue something in the science or health related field. I’m really considering nursing or health sciences. I also think going to Cleveland State and being in Cleveland in general will be beneficial because of the Cleveland Clinic and what I wanna do in the future

RR: What will you miss the most about Solon Girls Golf?

KK: I’ll definitely miss playing with the girls on the team the most– they make the season so much fun. The bus rides and all the team stuff we do together are just so fun. I will just miss all the girls on the team and spending time with them.

RR: What was your favorite sports memory?

KK: My favorite memory was probably making the State Tournament sophomore and senior year. Just having the opportunity to play at that level is great. Also, it’s at the Ohio State Course which you can only play at if you are on the Ohio State Team or are Alumni. It was also amazing to see the crowd turnout because boys and girls play at the same time during states, so there’s a lot of people there watching.

Grace Pearlburg, Girls Swimming, Bowling Green State University

Four year varsity letterman Grace Pearlburg committed to Bowling Green State University this past month to continue her career. Pearlburg has been a beast on the girls swimming team since the beginning of her time at Solon High School. She was the varsity MVP and made the all-conference team each season. She was a state qualifier last year, and this year is expected to have those same achievements and more for this season.

RR: Why did you choose to commit to Bowling Green State University?

GP: I chose Bowling Green State University because it was the only school where I felt truly at home and welcomed from the second I stepped on campus. I adored the coaches and the team, and I knew it was where I wanted to spend the next 4 years.

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

GP: My teammates have had the biggest impact on me over the years. They taught me hard work, kept me motivated during hard sets, always put a smile on my face, have given me a chance to be a leader and most importantly have shown me just how important a team is. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, and they have by far made the biggest impact on my swimming career.

RR: What are you most excited about for your first season at Bowling Green State University?

GP: I am most excited for the training. I am very ready to see what a different style of training can do for me, and I think it’s going to have a tremendous impact on me and my athletic performance.

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

GP: In a few years I see myself heading into a doctorate program for physical therapy and pursuing my chances at becoming a travel PT.

RR: What will you miss most about the Solon Swim Team?

GP: I will miss the post Saturday practice breakfasts most. The girls team always goes out (usually to DNR) after a long Saturday morning breakfast, and it’s always so much fun. I will definitely miss all of our traditions and the girls that have become my family over the past four years.

RR: What was your favorite sports memory?

GP: My favorite sports memory is last year when Ava Shaker, Niya Fried, Bridget Ferris and myself made states in the 400 free relay. I had gone to states before but getting to take teammates with me this time was such an amazing experience. They all worked so hard for that opportunity, and it was the most rewarding moment to watch them make states and to be right by their side while they did it.