East Lake senior reconsiders; continues soccer career at Warner Southern

Entering her senior season at East Lake, Danielle Ciglar figured it would be her last playing organized soccer. The midfielder/forward had little interest continuing her soccer career in college.

That is, until the Eagles run through the playoffs that saw the team advance to the state semifinals for the first time in school history. The resulting camaraderie that developed between the players made Ciglar rethink her post-East Lake playing options, and last Wednesday, she signed a letter-of-intent to play for Warner Southern College, a NAIA school in Lake Wales.

"After our high school team and how close we all became, I really wanted to continue playing," said Ciglar, who scored three goals and recorded seven assists in her senior year. "(Warner Southern) is real cozy. It's a small school. The girls on the team are all real nice. I think I will fit in well."

Ciglar took a visit to Warner Southern over spring break and came away impressed, particularly with the current members of the Royals soccer team. An athletic scholarship along with a Bright Futures scholarship will pay for the full cost of tuition.

Ciglar says she plans to compete for playing time right away.

-- BRYAN BURNS