Eatonville High Athletes Make Their Mark - Dreams Launched Toward College and Beyond
- Skip Smith
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read

At a high school known for its grit, heart, and small-town pride, a standout group of Eatonville High School athletes is proving that success on the field—or water or range—can lead to big things after graduation.
Nine graduates are heading off to compete in collegiate athletics, while one has already turned pro. From baseball diamonds to fishing boats, basketball courts to track vaults, these young competitors are chasing dreams that began on local fields and gyms and now stretch across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Two Cruisers are sticking with baseball but heading in different directions. Brody Thirtyacre is taking his talents to Clackamas College, a program with a strong track record of developing next-level players. Known for his great pitching and consistent bat, Thirtyacre brings a work ethic and love for the game that made him a fixture in Eatonville's lineup.
On the other side of the state, Justen Koch will suit up for the Eastern Oregon University baseball team, stepping into the NAIA ranks. As a sure handed second baseman, Koch looks to help bolster an already strong Mountaineers line up.
Basketball continues to be a cornerstone of Eatonville's athletic success, and this year’s trio of college-bound players proves why.
Lillian Bickford is heading to Lower Columbia College, where her size, strength, and basketball IQ make her a valuable addition to a program with a rich tradition. She anchored Eatonville’s frontcourt, earning praise for her rebounding and scoring ability.
Tia Schanbeck, known for her quick hands and aggressive defense, is headed to Pierce College. Coaches praised her as a glue player—the kind that locks in on defense, keeps intensity high, and does the gritty work that wins games.
Bailey Andersen will be headed to Grand Canyon University to play on the school’s top-tier club team, equivalent to a varsity squad in both competition level and training intensity. GCU's club system is nationally competitive, and adding Andersen will no doubt improve the team even more.
Grace Field is heading to Pierce College to bring her solid infield play and softball instincts to the next level. Field’s intensity and leadership were pivotal in Eatonville's success in recent seasons.
Haley Courson, a dynamic midfielder with a tireless motor, is also enrolling at Pierce College to join its women’s soccer team. Known for controlling pace and delivering precise passes, Courson made a name for herself as a playmaker and team-first competitor.
Jaiden Sobczyk, meanwhile, is taking a less conventional—but increasingly competitive—route by joining the fishing team at Simpson University. Yes, collegiate fishing is real and growing fast, and Sobczyk’s success on regional circuits caught the attention of Simpson’s program. Precision, patience, and pattern recognition—skills Sobczyk has honed—will now help him reel in success on the college tour.
Ethan Carter is on a unique path. He’ll begin at Pierce College while continuing to train at PLU. After two years, Carter plans to transfer to Pacific Lutheran University, where he’ll continue vaulting and pursue a degree.
While his classmates prepare for college seasons, Bodie Turner is skipping that step—because he’s already living the dream.
Turner, one of the top young archers in the country, has turned professional and is sponsored by Mathews, one of the top manufacturers in the sport. Precision, poise, and performance under pressure are his trademarks. Whether it's indoor target shooting or outdoor 3D competitions, Turner has already proved he belongs on the national stage.
For Eatonville High School, this graduating class is more than a list of names—it’s a legacy in motion. Athletic Director and coaches have praised the group not only for their skills but for the leadership, accountability, and character they brought to their teams and school culture.
“These kids show what Eatonville is all about,” said one coach. “They worked for every bit of this, and we’re proud to see them take the next step.”
As they scatter across campuses and competitions this fall, the Eatonville 12 carry more than jerseys and gear—they carry a shared history, a strong work ethic, and the kind of determination that turns potential into performance.
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