TRIO OF FRIARS COMMIT FOR COLLEGE BALL

By Charlotte Oh

The class of 2025 is proving to be a remarkable one, producing multiple star athletes eager to pursue their passion beyond high school. 

Basketball: Noah Cruz and David Del Carmen 

On Thursday afternoon, FD Friars’ Noah Cruz and David Del Carmen officially took the next step in their basketball careers, signing their commitment letters to play at Rome City Institute in Italy. Rome City Institute offers a strong foundation for talented individuals to grow and thrive as both athletes and students.

“I feel great. Excited to play and to see what they have overseas,” Del Carmen said. Cruz also added, “I’m very excited to go learn some new things, the new culture, the new way of life, maybe some things I can bring back here and share with my family. Basketball wise, I’m excited to meet my new teammates, my coach, and see how it plays out.”

Both athletes were key components in bringing the Friars to win another basketball championship this year. Cruz’s impressive skills earned him a spot in the 2025 first team all-island list as a utility player. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Just trusting all the work I’ve put in, all the hours, all the experience from off-island. I think it’s all played a part in where I’m gonna go,” noted Cruz. 

Del Carmen is a multi-sport athlete, excelling in volleyball and soccer in addition to basketball. Choosing basketball was not an easy decision for him, as he received an offer to pursue volleyball. His classmate and friend, Ethan Alvarez, plans to play volleyball at Rome City Institute as well. Cruz shared the bond the three of them will take to Italy, “Those two are kinda like big brother – little brother when they were playing volleyball together. I’m excited to go there, hopefully Ethan can show us some places, show us around.”

Playing abroad presents both challenges and opportunities. “Overseas basketball is obviously really different, so I’m just excited to how I’m gonna adapt to their kind of play style and see how it goes from there,” Del Carmen noted. “I’ve just always admired how they play basketball overseas. It’s a very pass and move type of game and that’s something I always try to model my game like… I felt like when they gave me the offer, it was just right,” Cruz said.

The Phoenix Center was filled with family, friends, coaches, and supporters who came to celebrate this significant moment in their career. 

Del Carmen expressed deep appreciation, “God was always there for me, my parents, especially my parents, they always supported me and were always there for me in the ups and downs, my coaches, and FD’s program, it’s a great program.” Cruz also gave gratitude to his parents, “Their constant support and their constant love, helping me, and taking me to all these international places to help me get better and expand on my game.”

Rugby: Ian Castro

Immediately following Del Carmen and Cruz, Ian Castro made his commitment to play rugby at Lindenwood University in Missouri. “It definitely feels like a blessing, just very excited to go out and definitely show my talent that I have,” Castro shared. “I’m definitely most excited to play on the field out there. I’m gonna try my hardest to get a starting spot out there and just show the states what Guam has.”

Castro played an important role in helping the Friars take the rugby championships once again. However, his journey to this point was not an easy one, facing multiple injuries throughout his career. “My career was definitely a roller coaster. I had a lot of injuries. It first started with my collar bone and stemmed to my leg. My injuries have definitely taught me how to fight battles that are really hard and to come out on top and just always to believe in yourself no matter what.”

Castro’s love for Guam is one of the reasons he chose Lindenwood University as multiple athletes will be attending, “A lot of Guam boys and girls are going there, so I definitely love Guam and I’m gonna miss the coaches, so why not just bring out the culture there and just have boys and girls there as my support system.”

Lastly, Castro expressed his gratitude towards his parents, “I would not ever say anyone besides my mom and my dad. My mom and my dad have always supported me no matter what. They dealt with my attitude, they dealt with all my injuries, without them I don’t think any of this would be possible.”

As these young men prepare for their next chapter, let’s continue to give them our unwavering support and love. Best of luck to Noah Cruz, David Del Carmen, and Ian Castro as they leave Guam and pursue their dreams.