Two Bellevue East athletes, senior Dylan Bullard and senior Layne Parker, have received college offers after strong seasons in baseball and volleyball.

Bullard has received offers for baseball from Ottawa University and Missouri Valley college. Parker recently committed to Baker University. Prior to this, a few community colleges reached out as well.

“I am glad they get an opportunity to keep playing, Dylan and Layne are great leaders and set a great example for their fellow teammates,” Bellevue East athletic director Chad Holtz said. 

Parker chose Baker University because she liked the school, the volleyball team, and the coaching staff. She received both an academic and an athletic scholarship to attend.

“I think it’s always cool to play with a new team, a new group of people, and just to see how they play,” Parker said. “And then, honestly, just to get back into games and get back into shape. I always love the atmosphere at volleyball games and I’m just excited.

Bullard is still deciding which college he will attend. Ottawa University won its baseball conference last year and is known for its competitive program. Missouri Valley College recently hired a new coach following a difficult season. Bullard is considering more than just athletics in his decision.

“I like both of their programs,” Bullard said. “It was very exciting to receive emails from both programs because I’ve talked to several other places as well, and it was just very rewarding. But for my decision I’m definitely looking for success. After I’m done playing baseball, the world will still spin. So wherever I go it will be where I can best benefit as not just a baseball player, but more so as a man as well.”

According to ncsasports.org, students can begin the recruitment process by staying ahead academically, creating lists of potential schools, and making highlight videos. The website also lists additional steps to help athletes prepare for the next level. Holtz, who oversees all school sports programs and student-athlete development, said Parker and Bullard are on the right track in their recruiting journeys.

“My expectations are that our athletes are also good students because college athletics only last 4-5 years so hopefully everyone gets a degree,” Holtz said. “Any offers reflect positively on all programs. Both Dylan and Layne are good students and great athletes and colleges like those types of student/athletes.

Leading up to her commitment, Parker completed extensive training, including running, team practices, and additional workouts outside of scheduled practices. She also maintained her grades throughout the process. These efforts coincided with the college opportunities she received.

“I usually go to the gym every day,” Parker said. “I usually go on runs almost every morning. I have practice every day after school, and then weightlifting. And then I have club practices two nights a week.”

Bullard’s recruitment process was more complex. His mother, Gina Bullard, played a significant role in his baseball career and supported him through challenging moments, including times he considered quitting. Born with a heart condition that initially limited his participation in certain sports, Bullard was introduced to baseball through his mother’s guidance.

 “I realized probably sophomore year that he had the ability to go to the next level when he was ready to quit the sport,” Gina Bullard said. “I spent a lot of time in the car throughout the years, even when he was younger, getting him to practice. It was a lot of sitting in the car, waiting for practice and a lot of money. He wanted to play basketball, and that’s where his passion still is, but he has a heart condition, so we had to take that away from him pretty young, so that’s how he actually got into baseball,”

Other East senior athletes have also recently received offers and committed to college programs. Some of these athletes include seniors Rick Scarpello, Ben Shearer, Cota Barmore, and Riley Homan. 

“The biggest thing is you have to have the talent and work ethic to be a college athlete,” Holtz said. “It feels good when our athletes get offers.”