05/23/2026
Two athletes sign with same college
By Lynnette Hoffman
Winlock High School has two students who recently signed Letters of Intent to play baseball at Grays Harbor College on partial scholarships. Their coach shared the news, and the enthusiasm surrounding the announcement was shared by both players and their mothers, who expressed pride in the opportunities ahead.
Carter Svenson and Kyrin Meehan are off to college this fall and are excited to be attending the same school together. Carter said hearing he received a scholarship “was an honor and an accomplishment I could check off my goals.”
Kyrin added, “This is a dream come true, and now my dreams are becoming plans.” Both young men set clear goals for themselves, and their dedication — along with the support of their mothers — helped them reach this milestone.
The mothers of Carter and Kyrin also shared their thoughts. When asked what advice they would give their sons, both offered heartfelt guidance. Melissa Svenson said, “A piece of advice I would give Carter is to work hard in class and on the field, and don’t forget to be grateful and enjoy the opportunity you’ve been given.”
Alicia Meehan added, “I’d tell him to stay humble, work hard, and remember why he started playing in the first place. College baseball is going to challenge you mentally and physically, but staying disciplined, surrounding yourself with good people, and appreciating every moment will take you far. Baseball can open doors, but the person you become through the experience matters even more.” Both mothers responded quickly and thoughtfully, showing just how supportive they are of their sons.
When asked how they reacted to the news, the mothers again spoke with pride. Melissa said, “First, I gave Carter the biggest hug. Then I told him how extremely excited and proud I am of him that he gets to do something he loves beyond the high school level. He never lost heart, and it has gotten him where he is today.”
Alicia shared a similar moment: “When I found out he signed to play baseball at Grays Harbor, I was honestly emotional and proud at the same time. On the way home from the facility tour, I drove in silence thinking, ‘Is this really happening?’ Seeing all the years of hard work, long nights, practices, travel leagues, games, and sacrifices finally pay off was overwhelming in the best way. I told him how proud I was of him, not just for the accomplishment itself, but for the young man he’s become through the journey.” The two mothers, both single parents who work at the school, have supported one another while raising their sons — a partnership that has clearly helped both athletes thrive.
Alicia continued, “To witness two best friends, starting in the same small town of Winlock on a Rookies team together and now heading to college to play the same sport that brought them together, is emotional in itself. To Kyrin and my bonus boy, Carter: stay humble, stay disciplined. Watching you boys grow up together through baseball has been something truly special. From little rookies spending countless hours on the field and at each other’s houses, to now signing to play college baseball, it’s emotional as a parent to see how far you've come. Baseball gave you memories, friendships, and lessons that will last a lifetime, and I couldn’t be prouder of the young men you've both become. No matter where the game takes you next, you'll always carry a piece of this small town with you. I love you both unconditionally.” Those who know the families say the admiration goes both ways, with each mother cheering for the other’s son as if he were her own.
Winlock Athletic Director Ben Suhrbier added, “Winlock HS Baseball Seniors Kyrin Meehan and Carter Svenson signed Letters of Intent in the Winlock HS Media Center to play college baseball at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington. They both played important key roles in the baseball team making it into the 2B District IV Baseball Tournament. Carter compiled 81 strikeouts during the regular season while finishing with a .297 batting average. Kyrin racked up 5 home runs, 3 doubles, and 32 RBIs while finishing with a .422 batting average. Their dedication to Winlock HS Baseball over the last four years is a testament to their character and loyalty to the program.” Both athletes received $600 scholarships by signing to play at Grays Harbor College. A team signing day was held with their parents on May 6, and they were recognized at a school assembly on May 15.
When asked about the most fun part of the season, the boys’ answers reflected the simple joys of high school sports. Carter said, “The most fun I had all season was when I got cars to honk and wave on the bus rides there!” Kyrin agreed, saying, “The long bus rides with my team, listening to music, and cracking jokes.” Their answers echoed the kind of memories many former athletes cherish — long rides, music, and laughter with teammates.
What makes this story especially meaningful is that the boys are close friends — and so are their mothers. Both moms work at the school and in the same area, keeping an eye on the boys and supporting them together. These young men set out to achieve a goal, and their mothers were there cheering them on every step of the way. The community is eager to see what college holds for them as they take the next step in their baseball journeys. Alicia noted that many road trips are ahead for the families — the kind of trips friends make together to watch their kids play the sport they love. Their shared journey, from childhood teammates to college athletes, is a point of pride for their families and for Winlock.
