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WINDERMERE PREP LAKERS ATHLETICS

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NSD November 13 2026

Boys' Basketball

Five Windermere Prep Student-Athletes Announce College Commitments

NOVEMBER 13 - On Friday, November 13, Windermere Prep is proud to recognize five student-athletes who have announced their commitments to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Eni Oyedeji, Alex Nichols, Kaden Puranik, Alejandra Botaya, and Ava Zhang will take the next step in their athletic journeys at universities across the country. These student-athletes have represented Windermere Prep through their accomplishments in competition, dedication in the classroom, and leadership within the school community.

"College commitment day is always a special occasion for our athletic department," said Director of Athletics Patrick Hollern. "These five student-athletes have distinguished themselves through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence both academically and athletically. Each has made a lasting impact on our program, and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with them and their families. We look forward to watching their continued success at the collegiate level."

Eni Oyedeji – Girls' Basketball – University of Pennsylvania
Eni Oyedeji has committed to the University of Pennsylvania, where she will continue her basketball career while pursuing an education in Finance or Data Analytics.

A captain of the Lakers girls' basketball team, Oyedeji has helped lead Windermere Prep to two district championships over the past three seasons. She also represented Nigeria at the 2025 Basketball Without Borders camp in Rwanda.

In the classroom, Oyedeji has earned Headmaster's List honors every year of high school while challenging herself through Windermere Prep's rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

"What stood out to me about Penn was that they valued me not just as an athlete, but as a student and a person," said Oyedeji. "Their commitment to helping me grow both on and off the court made me excited to become part of the Penn family."

Oyedeji credits her teachers, coaches, and teammates at Windermere Prep for preparing her to compete academically and athletically at the Ivy League level.

She would like to recognize Miriam Oyedeji, Joba Oyedeji, Moyo Oyedeji, Olumide Oyedeji, and Coach Darren Evans for their support throughout her journey.

Alex Nichols – Boys' Basketball – Virginia Military Institute
Alex Nichols has committed to Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where he will continue his basketball career while pursuing a degree in Business and Economics.

Nichols was drawn to VMI by the opportunity to challenge himself academically and athletically in an environment focused on personal growth, discipline, and accountability.

"I chose VMI because I wanted to challenge myself every day, both academically and athletically, to become the best version of myself," said Nichols. "Coach Wilson and the entire coaching staff made my family and me feel welcomed from the moment we visited."

Nichols credits his experience at Windermere Prep with teaching him the importance of hard work while helping him develop relationships that will extend beyond high school.

He would like to thank his family for their continued support, Coach Hoff for believing in him, and the coaches who have helped him develop as both an athlete and a person.

Kaden Puranik – Boys' Golf – Florida State University
Kaden Puranik has committed to Florida State University, where he will continue his golf career and pursue a degree in Business.

Puranik has made an immediate impact on the Windermere Prep boys' golf program during his senior season. He helped lead the Lakers to the FHSAA Class 1A District 6 Championship and a runner-up finish at the Class 1A Region 2 Championship, earning the team a berth in the FHSAA State Championships.

Puranik was drawn to Florida State by its competitive golf program, outstanding practice facilities, and the opportunity to develop alongside talented teammates and coaches.

"What stood out to me most about Florida State was the coaches and the team," said Puranik. "They hold themselves to a high standard on and off the course, and I know that environment will push me to continue improving as a golfer and as a person."

Puranik credits Windermere Prep with helping him develop discipline, time management, and the ability to balance academics with competitive golf.

He would also like to thank his parents for their sacrifices, encouragement, and continued support throughout his journey.

Alejandra Botaya – Girls' Golf – University of Arkansas
Alejandra Botaya has committed to the University of Arkansas, where she will continue her golf career while pursuing a degree in Exercise Science or Business Economics.

Recognized as one of Mexico's top junior golfers, Botaya is a member of the Mexican Golf Federation and has represented her country in international competitions. She is also ranked among the top 50 junior golfers worldwide in the Class of 2027.

"Growing up, Arkansas was always my dream school because of its incredible golf facilities and the talented players who represented the university," said Botaya. "The competitive golf program and the opportunity to be part of such a great team made it an easy choice."

Botaya credits Windermere Prep with helping her adjust to the American education system while developing independence, organization, and time management skills. Balancing international golf competition with her academic responsibilities has prepared her for the demands of college athletics.

She would like to recognize her mother, Miriam Carmona; father, Santiago Botaya; grandparents, Lidia Paredes and Luciano Botaya; and Carlo Herrera for their continued support.

Ava Zhang – Girls' Golf – Duke University
Ava Zhang has committed to Duke University, where she will continue her golf career and plans to study Evolutionary Anthropology with a concentration in Human Biology.

One of the world's top junior golfers, Zhang is a three-time American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) champion and is currently ranked No. 22 among junior golfers worldwide.

Zhang recently captured the FHSAA Class 1A regional individual championship with an impressive round of 65, further adding to her list of accomplishments.

A two-year captain of the Windermere Prep girls' golf team, Zhang has demonstrated leadership while balancing a demanding academic schedule that includes four IB courses.

"Duke is a top university for both academics and athletics," said Zhang. "What stood out most was how much the coaches, academic advisors, and people at Duke genuinely care about each individual and encourage us to pursue our passions."

Zhang credits the competitive and academically driven environment at Windermere Prep with helping her develop leadership skills, discipline, and the ability to manage the demands of academics and athletics.

She would like to recognize her father, Jack Zhang; mother, Claire Zhang; and siblings, Amy, Aaron, and Atom, for their continued support.

Continuing the Lakers Tradition
The accomplishments of these five student-athletes reflect Windermere Prep's commitment to developing students who pursue excellence in the classroom, in competition, and throughout their communities.

As they prepare for the next chapter of their academic and athletic careers, Windermere Prep Athletics congratulates Eni, Alex, Kaden, Alejandra, and Ava on their achievements and looks forward to following their continued success at the collegiate level.

 
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Players Mentioned

Joba Oyedeji

#20 Joba Oyedeji

Sophomore
Eni Oyedeji

#23 Eni Oyedeji

Junior

Players Mentioned

Joba Oyedeji

#20 Joba Oyedeji

Sophomore
Eni Oyedeji

#23 Eni Oyedeji

Junior

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