Senior softball player, Aleana Aionaaka, is graduating from Shadow Ridge High School during the 2024-2025 school year. She has accepted a spot at Providence University to study Psychiatry/Psychology as well as continue her career in softball.
The University of Providence is a private Catholic university in Great Falls, Montana, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on academic excellence, faith, and service to others. It also offers extracurricular activities like sports and student clubs, etc.
Aionaaka chose this college for her future years because it has caught her eye for many years. She enjoys the environment of the university, along with the softball family they have. She knows she will have to go through new learning experiences but is very excited.
“I chose to commit to University of Providence for a multitude of reasons. I was recruited for softball and Coach Karsten and Coach Joey drew me into the family-like atmosphere that the team has with each other. University of Providence is also a quiet campus which has always been something that stands out to me. I think such a new experience will teach me a lot and I am excited to learn,” comments Aionaaka.
Aionaaka has been playing softball for many years, so it is not a surprise that she will be continuing to play this sport as she goes off to college soon. Getting to know the team was one of the things that influenced this senior to go to the University of Providence.
Aionaaka states, “I am going to continue playing softball and I am so excited! I have been recruited as a shortstop/catcher, and I’m ready to contribute to my new team. I’m looking forward to finding out more about myself and trying new things as well!”
It is assumed that most students who go away from home for college, get emotional over who and what they have to leave behind. Aionaaka can agree with this as she has to leave behind her own prized possessions.
“I’m scared of being away from my family. I know I can always depend on my family to be there for me when I come home each day and I’m scared of not having that any more,” mentions Aionaaka.
This senior has been a star for multiple years for the Shadow Ridge Softball Team and has begun to collect supporters over the years. However one of her biggest supporters throughout the years has been her mom.
Aionaaka comments, “My biggest supporter is definitely my mom. She has always been there for me. And never once has she ever given up on me. I know when I’m gone and off to college I’m definitely going to miss my mom the most.”
As Aleana’s mother, Melissa Aionaaka, has been supporting her during her sports and school career, she has grown extremely proud of her. She cannot wait to see what she will accomplish, and hopes she succeeds in all ways.
“I am proud of Olly for her incredible hard work & dedication to this sport that she has loved her entire life. Proud of how hard she has worked in all of her academic goals to get her into the right college to become a psychologist one day. But I am most proud of the beautiful and humble spirit she has maintained through all of it. I don’t think you could find anyone who would say that they know a more kind and genuine person and that is what makes me the most proud of this girl everyday,” comments Melissa.
