Joshua Pena. {Photo Credit: Jake Stephens}
By: Matt Rothman
Monarch High School Joshua Pena officially announced his commitment to play college football at Valdosta State University in Georgia.
“It’s a blessing,” said Pena. “It’s everything I’ve been working for my whole life. I’ve always had the same goal from when I was very little, and I’m blessed to be one step closer.”
Pena began playing football on the Lauderhill Broncos before joining the Tamarac Cougars. Pena then played in Orlando for two years before returning and playing with the Coral Springs Chargers.
In high school, he started at Coral Glades and shined as a freshman on the junior varsity team but was ineligible to play his sophomore season. However, Pena began playing for Head Coach Cam Thomas in 2021 for the varsity team and helped them reach the State Playoffs for the first time in school history.
He then moved on to play his final season at Monarch, where he caught 32 catches for 694 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, helping the Knights win their second District Championship in school history. Monarch defeated Boca Raton Community High School in the opening round of the playoffs before falling in the Regional Semifinals in overtime to Palm Beach Gardens High School.
“Just proud of him and the opportunity that he is going to have moving forward,” said Head Coach Calvin Davis. “He was a wide receiver we used to stretch the field with his speed and athleticism. He will be good on the next level because his strengths transfer well to the college.”
Pena went on his official visit on Dec. 17 and loved the area. Also, he said the coaching staff was great to him, and he felt they would be able to take care of him throughout the journey.
Before heading to college, Pena hopes to improve on some minor details.
“This is what makes someone go from good to great or star to legend,” Pena said. “I’ll be a lot more polished in every aspect of the wide receiver position and as a playmaker in general.”
Valdosta State University finished the regular season 4-6 this year but won their only playoff game 20-28 against Shorter University in Georgia.
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