When he was younger, La Quinta High School's Taylor Bryant used to watch the College World Series on TV and pick out the baseball teams he'd like to play for when he had the chance.
He always kept a keen eye on Southern California schools, specifically Cal State Fullerton.
Now, the all-star shortstop is set to join the Titans after signing his National Letter of Intent this week.
"Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to go there," said Bryant. "It seemed like every time I'd turn on the TV, they were there. They're such a winning team, and I thought it would be cool to go there."
Bryant is one of the top performers in the Desert Valley League, leading the Blackhawks into the CIF playoffs last year with a 9-3 record. As a junior he battled .315, led the team with 20 RBIs, posted a .968 fielding percentage and committed just four errors in 27 games.
"It's such a relief now that I signed," he said. "When I verbally committed, I was excited, and now that it's all said and done, I can focus on baseball and school."
La Quinta coach Bill Gadd noted that Bryant is one of the best defensive players he's seen in his many years at the helm.
"Taylor has worked extremely hard for this opportunity to play Division I baseball at a great baseball school," he said. "Those defensive skills -- and others -- will serve him well at Fullerton."
Dominique Dulski
La Quinta, tennis, University of New Mexico
Dulski, who is a year-round national junior tournament player, is headed to the University of New Mexico.
Dulski said she was contacted after her performance in Tucson, Ariz., at Winter Nationals and decided that the Lobos would be her choice.
"They were always my No. 1," she said. "I was always talking with them and talked with others, but I loved the coach, the weather is basically like the desert and they have a really good program."
Dulski said her tournament schedule did not allow her to play for the high school tennis team, but her year-round commitment to the game made her a better player.
"I'm really determined to go there and make an impact," she said. "I'm a big hitter with a big serve and like to come to the net really aggressive."
Drew Helmstadter
Desert Christian Academy, baseball, Northwest Nazarene
A two-way standout at catcher, Helmstadter is headed for Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho. Helmstadter sparked the Conquerors to the CIF semifinals last season with his .416 batting average and chose the Division II school after seeking out top Christian colleges.
"They have a good baseball program with my major (pre law) and they look for players with good grades, so I found them first," said Helmstadter, a first team Victory League all-star and second team all CIF. "I went there two months ago, and it was awesome."
Helmstadter carries a 3.95 GPA and will start for DCA for the fourth consecutive year.
"Drew saw the need we had behind the plate and jumped right in, starting just about every game and becoming a two-time All-League recipient," said Desert Christian Academy coach Rob Ralph. "To see young men like Drew working hard and putting the time in to improve, then being recognized and rewarded with a scholarship to continue playing in college is a tremendous blessing as a coach."
Indira Ceranic
Palm Desert, swimming, Arizona State
A year-round performer who competes for the Piranhas, Ceranic was a former Desert Sun swimmer of the year. She is a sprint specialist, who made her college choice after looking at numerous Division I programs.
"ASU was definitely one of my top choices all along," said Ceranic. "I like the team, like the atmosphere and I'm extremely happy with my choice. I kept an open mind, but I'm glad to be close to home. "
Ceranic is the reigning Desert Valley League champ in the 100 freestyle (51.75) and 50 freestyle (24.23). She was third overall in CIF Division II in the 100 as a junior.
"We are very proud to see Indira's hard work pay off," said new Piranhas coach Jeff Conwell. "It's easy to see her talent and work ethic belong at a Division I school."
