INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Five Incline High School students-athletes will continue their sports careers in college after assembling on stage surrounded by balloons and college posters at a signing event in the school’s theater on Monday, June 2.

“All these kids have made a huge impact on their programs, and it’s pretty impressive,” athletic director Samuel Banghart said.

Many of the students have played in more than one sport while attending Incline High School, achieving notable accomplishments, from state championships to all-time records.

The group consists of volleyball players Rowyn McDougall and Haylee Hansen, soccer players Ellie Lowden and Kelly Kratz, and basketball player Tommy Williams.

The signing event invited students, family members and friends to the theater, where they celebrated and acknowledged each athlete’s success.

Ellie Lowden

Ellie Lowden will play soccer at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which she says is a perfect fit both academically and athletically for her. Lowden will graduate early from Incline High School to start Embry-Riddle in the spring of 2026 and plans on studying aeronautical science.

Her soccer journey started at the age of four, competing with numerous clubs and academies. Lowden even played overseas in Spain.

In addition to soccer, Lowden has made an impact on the school’s track and field team.

“Her kind demeanor and relentless work ethic will take her far in life, and we are so excited to watch her and the next chapter unfold,” Banghart expressed at the signing.

Rowyn McDougall

Rowyn McDougall will embark on her college volleyball career in the fall at the College of the Siskiyous in California. “I truly didn’t think that playing college level would be an opportunity I’d have,” Rowyn McDougall shared at the signing, thanking her coaches and family for support along the way.

McDougall started playing volleyball in the sixth grade and has since competed with a number of clubs.

“We’re proud of Rowan’s dedication and can’t wait to see her thrive at the collegiate level,” Banghart said.

Haylee Hansen

Volleyball player Haylee Hansen has received many accolades in her time as a Highlander, earning First Team All-League in 2023, Defensive Player of the League in 2024, and MVP in 2024.

She will continue her academic and athletic career playing volleyball at Vermont State University. Banghart describes her as a dynamic outside hitter and defensive specialist, making a huge impact on Incline’s volleyball team.

“Haley’s unwavering dedication and competitive spirit have helped elevate the program,” Banghart said. “We’re excited to see all she will accomplish at the next level.”

Hansen thanked her parents, siblings and coaches for their support and encouragement.

Kelly Kratz

Soccer midfielder, Kelly Kratz, is looking forward to her adventure in the south at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. She will be joining her sister, Annie Kratz, on the soccer team there. “Since it’s so far away,” Kratz said, “it definitely gives a sense of home, if she’s there.”

Kratz started playing soccer at five years old and has competed on several elite club teams since. By the end of her freshman year, she was already a state champion. In her junior year, she earned Second Team All-League Midfielder and NorCal Premier Runner-up. This last year, as a senior, Kratz was the Second Team All-League Midfielder, Honorable Mention All-State Midfielder, and NorCal Premier Champion.

“Her talent and determination have made a lasting impact on our soccer program,” Banghart announced.

Kratz looks forward to bringing with her a style of play learned while on her Truckee club team, which focuses on the ability of the team, rather than the individual.

“I think it’s a really good style of soccer,” she said, “that I’ve been practicing for all these years and that I can take to the team in Mobile.”

Tommy Williams

Tommy Williams will continue his basketball career at Chico State in the fall, but his potential was apparent as early as 2013, when he was a ball boy for Incline High School.

“I told his dad when he was in 4th grade,” his coach Tim “TK” Kelly said, “he’ll be the best this place has ever seen.”

It’s a designation he’s lived up to, having rewritten the record books at Incline High School as the All-Time Scoring Leader with 2,358 points. Williams is also the All-Time Assist Leader with 511 assists and the All-Time Steals Leader with 424 steals. He’s earned a McDonald’s All-American Games nomination, is a two-time 2A State MVP, a four-time First-Team All-State Player, and 2025 State Champion. And that’s just his basketball highlights.

He has an impressive resume on the football field as well, earning State Offensive Player of the Year twice. He’s a two-time First-Team All-State Quarterback, having 4,187 career passing yards with 52 touchdowns, and 1,797 rushing yards with 33 touchdowns.

“Watching Tommy compete has truly been magical,” Banghart said. “Tommy’s made a huge impact on the school with breaking all his records and easily [is] one of the best basketball players in northern Nevada and Nevada in general.”

Williams spends countless hours at the gym and has never lost in practice or in a conditioning drill, according to coach Kelly. “He’s the hardest working kid I’ve ever coached in my life.”

Williams thanked his family, coaches and teachers, as well as Incline High School staff at the signing. “I want to thank the Incline community for making me who I am today,” he added, having grown up in the region.

He later told the Tribune, “It’s obviously a pretty cool opportunity to go from a small school and be able to keep playing sports.”

It’s one reason why he plans on going to Chico with a chip on his shoulder, explaining, “I think a lot of times people from small towns get overlooked, and I think I’ve been fortunate to have people that have helped me get seen, but just knowing that you’re always going to be overlooked—being a small kid from a small town—so just always have that chip on your shoulder.”