February 4, 2026- Hutchinson High School Athletic Director Steve Kappenman is proud to announce that seven student-athletes have committed to continue their athletic careers on Winter Signing Day. Read more about each student below.
Myka Thompson Signs with Butler Community College Volleyball
Hutchinson High School senior Myka Thompson has officially signed to continue her volleyball career at Butler Community College, where she will compete for the Grizzlies this fall.
A dominant presence on the court, Thompson chose Butler for its highly competitive volleyball program and the coaching staff’s strong commitment to discipline, effort, and continuous improvement. She will pursue a major in nursing, aligning her academic goals with a passion for service, leadership, and caring for others.
Thompson leaves Hutchinson High School as a well-accomplished student-athlete. She earned AVCTL Division I First Team honors and was named AVCTL Division I Most Valuable Player. A three-year varsity starter, Thompson also served as team captain for two seasons, leading by example through her consistency, toughness, and competitive drive.
Beyond volleyball, Thompson was a multi-sport athlete and highly involved on campus, participating in basketball, bowling, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Junior and Senior Leaders, Student Council (STUCO), and Briny Birds—demonstrating her commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
“Myka is an incredible leader on and off the court,” said HHS head volleyball coach Josie Armstrong. “She is the president of various clubs at Hutch High, prioritizes her academics, works a part-time job, and is actively engaged in community service. She is a great athlete and an even better person—kind, considerate, and a fantastic role model. Her work ethic is truly unmatched. I think the absolute world of Myka as both a volleyball player and a human being.” (ksvype.com)
At Butler Community College, Thompson will enroll in the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Nursing Program, which offers two tracks of study and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.
With her signing complete, Thompson is set to take the next step in her academic and athletic journey as a Butler Grizzly.
Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu Signs with Lincoln University Football
Hutchinson High School senior Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu has officially signed to continue his football career at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, joining the Blue Tigers at the NCAA Division II level.
A powerful and dynamic running back, Gaitho-Karanu has been a difference-maker throughout his high school career. His combination of strength, vision, and toughness earned him AVCTL Division I All-League Honorable Mention honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the area’s top offensive contributors. Known for his relentless work ethic and competitive drive, he consistently set the standard on and off the field.
Gaitho-Karanu will compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), one of the nation’s premier Division II conferences, as part of the Lincoln University football program.
In the classroom, Gaitho-Karanu brings the same focus and discipline that defined his athletic career. He plans to major in Finance, preparing for a future that matches his ambition beyond football.
Lincoln University is a public historically Black, land-grant institution with an enrollment of approximately 2,250 students. The university offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Finance, along with a minor, through a comprehensive program designed to produce market-ready professionals with both theoretical knowledge and applied experience.
With his signing complete, Gaitho-Karanu is set to take the next step in his academic and athletic journey as a Blue Tiger.
Jaden Durant Signs with Seward County Community College Softball
Hutchinson High School senior Jaden Durant has officially signed to continue her softball career at Seward County Community College, where she will compete for the Saints.
Durant knew Seward County Community College was the right fit from her first campus visit, connecting immediately with the program and envisioning her future both academically and athletically. A consistent and dedicated contributor, Durant lettered three years in varsity softball at Hutchinson High School and also served as the varsity wrestling manager for two seasons, highlighting her leadership, versatility, and commitment to supporting her teammates and athletic programs.
In the classroom, Durant has set her sights on a future in healthcare. She plans to major in Sports Medicine, combining her passion for athletics with an interest in athlete care and performance.
Seward County Community College offers a two-year Associate of Science degree program with a strong emphasis on athletic training fundamentals. The program focuses on the health and welfare of athletes and is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in injury prevention, care, and rehabilitation techniques.
Stephanie Jenkins Signs with Missouri Valley College Dance Team
Hutchinson High School senior Stephanie Jenkins has officially signed to continue her dance career at Missouri Valley College, where she will join the Viking Dance Team in Marshall, Missouri.
During her campus visit, Jenkins connected with the dance team and coaching staff and was drawn to the welcoming campus atmosphere in the heart of Marshall. She knew Missouri Valley College offered the right balance of athletic opportunity and academic support to help her succeed at the next level.
Jenkins leaves Hutchinson High School as a well-rounded and highly involved student leader. She was an active member of the Salthawk Dance Team and participated in Student Council (STUCO), HOSA, Junior and Senior Leaders, and the powderpuff football game during homecoming festivities. Jenkins was also recognized for her academic excellence, earning honor roll and principal’s honor roll distinctions and being named Student of the Week on two occasions.
At Missouri Valley College, Jenkins plans to major in psychology and counseling, preparing for a future focused on supporting and serving others.
Kylan Mendoza Commits to Sterling College Football
Hutchinson High School senior Kylan Mendoza has committed to continue his football career at Sterling College, where he will suit up as a Warrior this fall.
A key presence on the offensive line, Mendoza earned All-League Second Team honors and All-State Honorable Mention recognition for his performance in the trenches. He was also named an Honorable Mention selection on the Sports in Kansas Top 100 Kansas Seniors list, highlighting his impact and consistency at the state level.
Mendoza’s strength, work ethic, and football IQ made him a reliable anchor on the offensive line and a respected leader among teammates. His commitment to preparation and physical development has positioned him for continued success at the collegiate level.
At Sterling College, Mendoza plans to major in Sports Medicine, aligning his academic goals with his passion for athletics and athlete care.
Sterling College is a private four-year institution with an enrollment of approximately 650 students and offers more than 20 academic programs and concentrations. Competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), Sterling College provides student-athletes the opportunity to excel both academically and athletically.
Jenna Giles Signs with Friends University Cheer Team
Hutchinson High School senior Jenna Giles has officially signed to continue her cheer career at Friends University in Wichita, where she will join her sister, Hannah, on the team next year.
Giles has been a standout student-athlete at Hutchinson High School, lettering in both cheer and soccer, and actively participating in Junior and Senior Leaders. She is also a well-rounded student involved in Salthawk Threads, HOSA, Student Council (STUCO), and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), demonstrating leadership, dedication, and school spirit both on and off the field.
Academically, Giles plans to major in Health Sciences, preparing for a career dedicated to helping others.
Friends University is a private institution with an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students and offers a variety of academic programs in a supportive, student-focused environment.
Tramel Walker Signs with Southern Nazarene University
Hutchinson High School senior Tramel Walker has officially signed to continue his athletic career at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, where he will compete for the Crimson Storm football team.
Walker is a versatile, well-rounded athlete, having competed at the varsity level in football, basketball, and track. He has also been an active leader and participant in campus activities, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Powder Puff, and Ironman. His impressive list of honors includes Ad Astra Radio Athlete of the Week, State Track Qualifier, and AVCTL All-League Player recognition.
Academically, Walker plans to major in Kinesiology and intends to pursue Physical Therapy licensure, combining his passion for athletics with a career focused on helping others.
Walker chose Southern Nazarene University for its Christian principles, welcoming community, and opportunities to grow academically, athletically, and spiritually. Southern Nazarene offers more than 65 academic programs and provides a full-ride scholarship to Walker, recognizing his talent and dedication both on and off the field.
