Rainier seniors Lily Peralta, Anika Plowman sign to Saint Martin’s, Lower Columbia to begin collegiate careers

The blood, sweat, tears and hard work of two Rainier High School (RHS) seniors has officially paid off, as Lily Peralta and Anika Plowman signed their golf and volleyball careers, respectively, at the collegiate level.

Peralta signed to continue her golfing career at Saint Martin’s University (SMU) in Lacey, while her classmate, Plowman, signed to continue playing volleyball at Lower Columbia College in Longview. The two ceremoniously signed to the schools in front of their teachers, classmates and loved ones on Thursday, May 14, at RHS.

Peralta, who spent two years at RHS, told the Nisqually Valley News that the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level is not one that she takes lightly. She was grateful for the chance to sign to SMU in front of her friends and family.

“It’s pretty exciting to me because even though I’ve only known (my classmates) for two years because I moved here, being able to share this moment with everybody was great,” Peralta said. “I’m super stoked to be able to go to Saint Martin’s and play on the golf team that coach Anne (Bahr) has started. She’s turned it into a really good program and I’m really excited to be part of it and live close to home.”

Some of her expectations upon arriving at the Lacey-based university include getting herself situated with her new college life and settling into new courses and practices. Additionally, Peralta said it’s her goal during her freshman campaign to make it to qualify for every match and tournament.

“I’m practicing every day and keeping the grind up, especially because a couple years ago I had a huge break in golf. Moving to Washington and having to come back and see that I’m behind the rest of my peers and competition — I had to work extra hard to catch up,” she said. “I really enjoyed my time on the golf team here and making the friends that I have. I really enjoyed our car rides and our team dinners together. Those were always really fun.”

Her classmate, Plowman, was also grateful for the opportunity to sign to play at Lower Columbia in front of her classmates and family at Rainier.

“It was a really great opportunity to have and see everyone and what I’ve overcome, and all of these memories I get to have with them. Having my family with me by my side was special.”

“I’m really excited to have this opportunity to go to Lower Columbia and see what’s out there,” Plowman said. “Last year, the Lower Columbia coach (Troy Shorey) emailed me and said he’d like to talk to me. He saw a tournament in Seattle.”

She added that her relationship with the coach only grew from there, thus leading to her commitment. Plowman described her new coach as a great guy and mentor, and somebody that she got along with well throughout the recruitment process.

Additionally, the Rainier senior said it’s always been her dream to play volleyball at the collegiate level. Her expectations for school in Longview include winning, competing for championships with her team and creating new lifelong memories.

“My volleyball career here at Rainier has been great. I’ve learned a lot of new things and played a lot of new positions. I found my way around it. I met new people and created a bond with my team,” Plowman said. “Getting the opportunity to go to state three times was great.”