On Nov. 13, 2020 at 2 p.m., two students signed their letter of intent at a signing ceremony in the school’s Performing Arts Center. Seniors Kendra Siefker and Aliyah Ayala are two of our top tier female student athletes here at FortOsage High School. Seifker has played volleyball all four years of high school but plans to row at K-State. Senior Aliyah Ayala plans to play soccer at Emporia State.

As a volleyball player Seifker had a service percentage of 86.5 percent and had 41 aces and is most excited for the experience. 

“I wanted to sign with K-State to have a D-1 athlete experience,” Seifker said. “I’m most excited to experience football and basketball games.” 

Seifker led the volleyball team with 183 kills and in blocks with 53. Former Junior teammate Breyana Cox values and admires Seifkers skills and friendship very much and doesn’t look forward to her leaving. 

“This is bittersweet,” Cox said. “I love knowing that she’s growing up and doing something that she loves but I’m sad to see her leaving Fort. Kendra is one of the smartest and strongest girls I know. She’s very funny and has taught me to not dwell on everything.” 

Ayala’s 2020 soccer season was cancelled due to COVID-19 but she had 61 goals and 15 assists in the 2019 season. Head girls soccer coach Michael Brown is confident for Ayalas choice to sign with Emporia State. 

“Emporia State is a good spot for her,” Coach Brown said. “It’s a great program and she will be very successful. I knew it was an option and had a good amount of choices but it should be a perfect fit. It’s a place where she will step in and be successful right away.” 

The signing was live streamed by KFOI sports and can be viewed on demand on the NFHS Network website.