These two reigning state champions from the South Sound are headed to the Pac-12

At opposite ends of the South Sound, a pair of standout high school athletes — both of whom won state titles as juniors — made longtime college commitments official early Wednesday morning.

Gig Harbor senior Brynna Maxwell, the reigning Class 3A state player of the year in girls basketball, signed her National Letter of Intent with the University of Utah.

“It’s a dream come true,” Maxwell said.

About 30 miles east, Bonney Lake senior Brooke Nelson, the softball star who was dubbed the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year and 3A state player of the year last spring, signed with the University of Washington.

“Getting to go there to play softball for my dream school is surreal,” Nelson said.

Wednesday was the opening day of the first national signing period for the 2018-19 school year. Maxwell and Nelson highlight a group of more than 50 seniors across the South Sound who signed letters of intent to compete at NCAA Divsion I, II and NAIA programs.

As a junior Maxwell averaged 21.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 4.6 steals per game to lead the Tides to the state championship in program history.

During the state tournament, Maxwell became the 3A modern-era record holder for total points (83) and scoring average (27.7) while tying the mark for most field goals made (28) with Kamiakin’s Oumou Tooure.

Maxwell scored 31 points in the title game against Garfield, was named the tournament MVP, and went on to earn TNT All-Area and Associated Press all-state honors before verbally committing to Utah in June.

Maxwell cemented her commitment, alongside her parents, Steve and Kim, Wednesday in her Gig Harbor home.

“They were the first school to believe in me and the first school to offer me,” Maxwell said. “I love the coaching staff, I love the team and I visited a couple times, and I just feel like I really gelled with the team. I believe in the program coach (Lynne) Roberts is building and I’m excited. I’m ready to get out there.”

Although sometimes tiring, Maxwell said the recruiting process has been a “blessing.”

“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve dreamed about it happening and when it did, it was kind of surreal,” she said. “Toward the end of my junior year, I was ready to make a decision. ... I couldn’t have done this by myself, without my mom, my dad, my teammates and coaches. It never would’ve happened without them. I’m just really grateful.”

Maxwell said she’s happy to put the recruitment process behind her and focus on her senior season.

“Coming off the state title, it’s a lot to live up to the next year,” Maxwell said. “I think we have a chance to be a good team again if we work hard. I think the sky’s the limit for this team. I’m ready to get going.”

Nelson, who is arguably the best two-way high school softball player the state has produced, was surrounded by purple as she inked her commitment alongside her parents, Eddie and Lori, and younger sister Brynn, at a ceremony at Bonney Lake.

Nelson has a longtime relationship with UW — her father played football there, and she has worked with Huskies pitching legend Danielle Lawrie. She committed to UW as a sophomore.

“Being able to go to a school where you can have a sound education as well as compete for a national title ever year is everything I could have asked for,” Nelson said.

Last spring, Nelson, a powerful pitcher with just as much strength in the batter’s box, fueled the Panthers to their first 3A state softball title. She was named the TNT All-Area player of the year in addition to her all-state accolades.

Nelson finished her junior season with a 0.79 earned run average in 150 2/3 innings. She struck out 306 and didn’t allow a run in league play.

She tossed six no-hitters. The highlight was an extra-innings showdown against Stadium where she struck out 24 consecutive batters, becoming just the second player in national history in a seven-inning game to sit down that many batters in succession.

At the plate, Nelson batted .756, collecting 62 hits — including 21 home runs. She drove in 46 and scored 45 more.

According to The National Federation of State High School Associations, Nelson is the only player in national history to collectively hit more than 20 home runs in a season and strike out more than 20 consecutive batters in a single game.

Nelson is excited to attempt to defend the Panthers’ state title.

“I’m just looking forward to getting back with everyone and ending on a high note,” Nelson said.

There are 14 more known athletes in the South Sound who signed on to play women’s sports at the Division I level.

Federal Way’s Rachel Kimura (Seattle U), Sumner’s Jaylin Borden (Arizona State) and Marie LeGallo (The Citadel), and Tahoma’s Laura Pierson (Idaho) will continue their soccer careers.

Kentridge basketball standout JaQuaya Miller singed with UW, and Peninsula’s Belle Frazier signed with Portland State. Both were TNT All-Area selections as juniors.

Emerald Ridge’s Taylor Koch will continue her golfing career at Boise State, while Kennedy Catholic’s Alyssa Nguyen will head to Gonzaga.

In volleyball, Charles Wright’s Abbie Jackson, who led the Tarriers to a runner-up finish at the 1A state tournament last week, signed with Houston, and Life Christian’s Madison Boles with Colorado State.

Annie Wright’s Agye Mintah (Southern University tennis), Auburn Riverside’s Brook Dye (Stony Brook softball), and Curtis’ Ruby Hopkins (Washington State rowing) and Olivia Pineda (Oregon State rowing) also signed their letters of intent.

“I think it really says something about where we come from in the Pacific Northwest,” Nelson said of the high volume of girls signing with Division I programs. “We’re making a statement for everyone out here, and the young women growing up in athletics.

“I think it’s really cool, across the board in all sports, seeing people excel.”

Seven known athletes from the South Sound signed with Division I men’s programs, including a trio of baseball players who will play at Purdue.

Auburn Mountainview’s Nate Weeldreyer, Bellarmine Prep’s Tommy Takayoshi and Federal Way’s Josh Mears all signed with the Boilermakers, while Black Hills’ Ethan Loveless signed to play baseball at Portland.

Bonney Lake’s Brenden Chaowanapibool (Air Force) and White River’s Nate Moore (Northern Colorado) will continue their wrestling careers, while Bellarmine’s Clay Thatcher signed with Washington State men’s golf.

This story was originally published November 14, 2018 at 11:37 AM.