Two College of Lake County student athletes are proving that junior college is more than just a stepping stone…it's a launchpad.

    Chloe Sisco (Women's Basketball) and Katalina Ybarra (Softball) recently wrapped up their sophomore seasons at CLC and are now preparing to take their talents to the NCAA Division I level. Sisco is headed to Chicago State University, while Ybarra has signed with the University of Southern Mississippi. What makes their stories even more remarkable is that neither student athlete had Division I or II offers coming out of high school.

    Instead, they chose CLC and it paid off.

    For Sisco, her two seasons with the Lancer Women's Basketball team were filled with growth, competition, and success. She played a pivotal role in one of the most historic seasons in program history, helping the Lancers win a conference championship and earn their first ever NJCAA National Tournament appearance. Her development on and off the court caught the attention of Division I programs, ultimately landing her a scholarship to Chicago State.
    
    "I never really thought making it to a D1 was possible," Sisco said. "It hasn't been easy, there were a lot of challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Long hours in the gym filled with frustration and self-doubt. But I learned that the only person truly standing in my way was me. It's about turning what feels impossible into a goal and going after it like it's already yours. It's about telling yourself you have no other option than reaching your goal. The road might be tough, but the outcome will always be bigger and worth every step. Keep pushing, your dream is waiting on the other side of your belief. The College of Lake County and the Women's Basketball program provided that for me."

    "Chloe came in with a chip on her shoulder and worked every single day to prove she belonged at the next level," said Head Coach Tanner Morris. "She trusted the process and believed in the vision we had for her and herself. Watching her grow into a D1 athlete has been special."

    Ybarra's story mirrors the same grit and determination. After receiving little four-year interest out of high school, she came to CLC ready to prove herself. Over two standout seasons with the Lancer Softball team, she became a cornerstone of the program. Ybarra helped lead CLC Softball to back-to-back 30+ win seasons for the first time in school history, along with back-to-back undefeated conference championships. Her hard work, leadership, and on-field performance caught the eye of Southern Mississippi, where she'll continue her academic and athletic career.

    "Playing softball in college has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I never imagined that journey would begin at a JUCO, but I'm so incredibly grateful that it did," Ybarra said. "I'm thankful I spent my two JUCO years at CLC, because I've never been part of an organization that felt so much like family, so trustworthy, supportive, and loving. CLC truly became my home away from home. I built lifelong connections with teammates and coaches, not only in my own sport but across the entire athletic community.

    JUCO is something that takes a special kind of resilience to get through, and having the support and love from CLC helped push me toward my dream of playing Division I softball. CLC gave me the time, space, and opportunity to grow, not only as an athlete, but as a person.
Even though the school didn't always have the fanciest facilities, I still found a way. With a combination of encouragement, shared passion, and a relentless drive to succeed, I pushed past my limits and became a stronger athlete and a better woman.

    There's nothing more rewarding than knowing I gave everything during those first two years of college and now, I can proudly say I'm a D1 athlete. I will forever be grateful to CLC for helping me grow both on and off the field, and for showing me what hard work and heart can truly accomplish."
"Katalina was all in from the start," said CLC Athletics Director Bradley Unger. "She used every resource CLC had to offer; coaching, facilities, support staff and turned herself into a Division I student athlete. She earned this!"

    Both Sisco and Ybarra credit CLC with providing the structure, exposure, and belief they needed to make their dreams a reality. Their stories stand as a testament to what is possible through junior college athletics: real development, real opportunity, and real advancement.

    As they move on to the Division I stage, the Lancer family celebrates their success and knows their best is still ahead.