WINDERMERE, FL - On Wednesday, November 12, National Signing Day, seven seniors at Windermere Prep signed their commitment letters to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Brandon Bass Jr. will continue his basketball career at Florida State University, Addison Bitel will continue her swim career at Duke University, Ariana Urrea will continue her golf career at Purdue University, Isabella Johnson will continue her volleyball career at Florida Atlantic University, Vanessa Nawracaj will continue her softball career at Lander University, Santiago Navarro will continue his golf career at Barry University, and Hailey Pellegrini will continue her acro and tumbling career at Saint Leo University. 

"This is an incredibly special group," said Patrick Hollern, Director of Athletics. "Each of these student-athletes embodies what it means to be a Laker—balancing academics, leadership, and athletic achievement with integrity and passion. They've represented Windermere Prep with class and consistency, and we're so proud to see them continue their journeys at the next level. Their hard work, commitment, and character have left a lasting impact on our program."

Brandon Bass Jr. – Basketball – Florida State University
A Laker since fourth grade, Bass Jr. leaves behind one of the most decorated basketball careers in school history. He ranks second all-time in scoring at Windermere Prep and holds multiple program records, including most points in a game and season, most career 3-pointers, and most free throws made in a career and season.

On choosing to attend Florida State University, Brandon said, "I chose Florida State University because Coach Loucks and the staff made it feel like family from the start. Their energy and vision for the program matched exactly what I wanted in a school and team."

Of his experience at Windermere Prep, Brandon added, "Attending Windermere Preparatory School since fourth grade has taught me how to balance  academics, athletics, and leadership. Being part of the WPS community helped me grow both as a student and as a person."

He will major in Business at Florida State and credits his parents, Melissa and Brandon Bass, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout his career.

Addison Bitel – Swimming – Duke University
A three-time High School All-American and three-time Scholastic All-American, Bitel is ranked No. 9 in Florida and among the top 100 nationally in the Class of 2026. She chose Duke University for its balance of challenge, community, and academic rigor.

On choosing to attend Duke University, Addison said, "I chose Duke University because it truly embodies a work hard, play hard culture. The team atmosphere, the coaching, and the academic opportunities all felt like the perfect balance of challenge and support."

Of her experience at Windermere Prep, Addison added, "Windermere Prep has taught me how to balance a demanding academic schedule with high-level training. The support from my teachers and coaches helped me develop discipline, time management, and resilience, skills that will be important at the Division I level." 

Bitel plans to major in Psychology, with certificates in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Markets and Management. She expressed deep gratitude to her family—parents Darlene and Greg, and sister Lyndsey—along with her teammates and coaches from both Laker Swim Club and Windermere Prep, for their constant encouragement and belief in her journey.

Ariana Urrea – Golf – Purdue University
A member of the Peruvian National Golf Team since 2021, Urrea has achieved international success, including helping her team win gold at the 2025 Junior Pan-American Games and finishing as individual runner-up. She also won the 2025 Torneo WAGR Scarlpers and has balanced elite competition with academic excellence as a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish NHS, and Science NHS.

On choosing to attend Purdue University, Ariana said, "I chose Purdue because it offers the perfect balance of elite academics and athletics. The university's strong tradition of excellence, combined with incredible coaching and facilities, creates the ideal environment for me to grow as both a golf player and a student. From my first visit, I felt the genuine support and family atmosphere that makes Purdue so special. I'm proud to call myself a Boilermaker and can't wait to represent Purdue on and off the course."

Of her experience at Windermere Prep, Ariana added, "Windermere Prep has prepared me for Purdue by teaching me how to balance a challenging academic schedule with golf. Taking hard classes helped me develop strong time management and study skills. Working with my golf team taught me the value of collaboration, focus, and consistency—skills I'll carry with me into college."

Urrea plans to major in Engineering and thanked her parents, Erika and Carlos, sisters Valeria and Allegra, and her coaches at Hernan Rey Golf Academy and Windermere Prep for their support and mentorship.

Isabella Johnson – Volleyball – Florida Atlantic University
A two-year letterwinner for the Lakers, Johnson led Windermere Prep in kills in each of the past two seasons and will continue her volleyball career at Florida Atlantic University, where she plans to major in Biology.

On choosing to attend Florida Atlantic University, Isabella said, "The amazing coaches at FAU ultimately influenced my decision. Their passion for coaching and the trust they had for me as a player made me want to be a part of their program."

Of her experience at Windermere Prep, Isabella added, "WPS has helped me overcome academic and athletic challenges that pushed me to become the best version of myself. The skills I've developed here will guide me toward success in the future."

She acknowledged her family—Lisa, Chris, and Nicholas Johnson, and Barbara Branch—for their constant encouragement and support.

Vanessa Nawracaj – Softball – Lander University
A four-year varsity player and All-Metro East Pitcher, Nawracaj helped lead Windermere Prep to the SSAA Tournament Championship. She will continue her career at Lander University, where she plans to major in Nursing.

On choosing to attend Lander University, Vanessa said, "What influenced my decision to choose Lander University was their academic success and how good their softball team is. Also, their nursing program is continuously striving to get better."

Of her experience at Windermere Prep, Vanessa added, "WPS has taught me how to grow. I transferred my junior year, and it was hard to make friends and feel like I belonged at the school. Throughout my junior and senior years, I found friends who helped me feel like I was loved and supported throughout my journey in life and understood me. WPS has given me a profound sense of value and helped me grow into the person I am."

She expressed gratitude to her family—parents Vildy and Ron, brother Robert, and grandfather Russ—for their love and encouragement throughout her journey.

Santiago Navarro – Golf – Barry University
Navarro cited the strong community and golf program at Barry University as key factors in his decision. He plans to major in Finance and is excited to compete at the collegiate level.

On choosing to attend Barry University, Santiago said, ""Barry University stood out because of its close-knit community and the opportunity to grow in a competitive golf environment. I knew right away that it was the perfect place for me to continue developing as a student-athlete.""

Of his experience at Windermere Prep, Santiago added, ""My experience at WPS has taught me how to balance academics and athletics while exploring my interests. The supportive environment helped me figure out what I want to study in college and how to approach challenges with confidence.""

He credited Windermere Prep for preparing him academically and helping him find his collegiate path, and thanked his parents, Monica and Jose Andres, for their constant support.

Hailey Pellegrini – Acro & Tumbling – Saint Leo University
A gymnast for 15 years, Pellegrini will transition to acro and tumbling at Saint Leo, where she'll also pursue a pre-med track.

On choosing to attend Saint Leo University, Hailey said, "Honestly, I chose Saint Leo University because I really like how small it is. I like the idea of actually knowing my professors and classmates. It just seems like a place where I can really focus, get involved, and feel part of a close community instead of just another face in a big university."

Of her experience at Windermere Prep, Hailey added, "WPS has really helped me get ready for the future because I've learned how to stay organized and manage my time better. The teachers really care and push us to do our best, and I've also learned how to work with other people on projects and activities. I feel  like all of that will really help me when I go to college and start doing things on my own."

She thanked her family—Shina, Dominic, and Cameron Pellegrini—for their endless support and motivation, along with her teachers and coaches at Windermere Prep for helping her build confidence and independence.


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