Three Bear Creek Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent

On May 16, 2025, three Bear Creek seniors participated in a celebratory signing event, indicating their intent to play for Wesleyan University, Whitworth University, and Columbia Basin College next year.

Across the nation, Division 1 and 2 spring season athletes sign their National Letters of Intent (NLI), pledging their commitment to play for a particular school. Whether it’s an official NLI or a celebratory signing for Division 3 and NAIA athletes, it is a momentous occasion marking years of hard work and a desire to compete at a high level. Addie, Rhett, and Zaden were honored and celebrated for their dedication and hard work throughout the past four years, which has culminated in the realization of their dreams to play collegiate athletics.

Addie to Vault for Wesleyan University

The stories for most collegiate athletes start at the youngest of ages. Some start hitting a baseball off a tee or swinging a golf club at age 3. Not so for Addie who first picked up a pole vault three years ago as a sophomore. Of course, the strength and coordination she developed in competitive gymnastics gave her an edge in what seemed to be a seamless transition to something that terrifies most track & field newcomers. It was not long before everyone knew that Addie had found something special. It was time to dust off those poles in the green shed that hadn’t seen the light of day in almost a decade and update our pole vault safety and supervision certification.

Addie quickly picked up the technical side of pole vaulting and came to deeply love the sport. She not only focused on her own improvements, but she also stepped up as a leader, helping coach and support her teammates during practices and meets. Addie has played a key role in bringing the pole vault back to life at Bear Creek. Addie’s parents Barbara and Nate Chinn have noted that her drive, generosity, and love for what she does inspire them every day. 

This season has seen some incredible feats, namely tying and then breaking the school record several times over. Most recently, Addie re-set the school record with a vault of 10’ 1" at the Bi-District Championships on May 22. Addie brings a new meaning to the phrase “the sky is the limit.” We are 100% behind you as you prepare for the 1A State Championships next weekend and then head off across the country. Addie will be attending and vaulting at Wesleyan University in Connecticut next fall. Congratulations on your vaulting career at Bear Creek, and good luck competing for the Cardinals next year! 

Rhett to Golf at Whitworth University

Unlike Addie, Rhett started his golf journey at age 3, developing and sharpening his skills playing alongside and against his brother and sister, also former Bear Creek golfers. Since those early years, he has competed in dozens of competitive tournaments at the local, state, and regional levels, where he was medalist or among the top players in many of these events. Rhett is multi-talented and is a two-sport varsity athlete. In addition to golfing, he is a four-time State qualifying diver for Sammamish High School, finishing as high as fourth place in State and selected as team captain his senior year.

During his career representing The Bear Creek School, he has been awarded four times with All-Conference Honors and captained the boys golf team for the past two seasons. He placed in the top 10 for the Grizzlies in the past three Gamble Sands Invitationals and competed twice in the very selective Bill Egbers Invitational, both of these events against players from across the state and all classifications. His tournament low for the Grizzlies was 69 at the Emerald Sound Conference Championship in 2023, where he was co-medalist after regulation play with his friend and teammate Giap Do.

Most meaningfully, as a freshman he contributed to the team's record-setting undefeated season, when they won the Emerald Sound Conference Championship, the Bi-District Championship, and the 1A State Championship. As a sophomore, he partnered with Giap to defend and win back-to-back 1A State Championships against teams with three, four, and five players in the field. As a junior, he led the Grizzlies to sixth place finish at State. And this week, at his fourth consecutive 1A State Golf Tournament appearance he led the Grizzlies to a fourth-place team trophy and an individual sixth-place medal.

This fall, Rhett will attend NCAA Division III Whitworth University, where he will play for the Pirates as they seek to win the Northwest Conference and make their way to the National Championships. We are in your corner and rooting for your success, Rhett, and know you will be the same amazing player, teammate, and competitor for the Pirates as you have been for the Grizzlies. Congratulations!

Zaden to Play Ball for Columbia Basin

Zaden started playing baseball for Redmond North Little League when he was nine years old. He played with some of his best friends including fellow Grizzlies Ethan, Alex, and Noah and was coached by Mr. Komola. While playing Little League, he was a three-time All-Star. Next, Zaden played for several select teams including the Sammamish Spartans, Redmond Rippers, EBA, Prime Northwest, Walla Walla Sweets, Elite National West, and the Dudes PIL.

Baseball may be Zaden’s “best” sport, but you don’t have to look long or hard to spot Zaden in a different uniform because he plays golf in the fall, basketball in the winter, and then baseball in the spring, Zaden carries a very rare and distinct honor of being a four year, three-sport athlete, missing only the fall golf season during his sophomore year due to an injury.

Zaden did it all at Bear Creek, and he didn’t just play—he is every coach’s dream. He is the ultimate competitor and the ultimate teammate. Zaden wanted to be sure to publicly thank his coaches, specifically Coach Mike Davidson, Coach Ryan Beliel, and Coach TJ Whidby, from whom he learned so much of the game.

In his junior year, Zaden helped lead the Growls to a 1A State Championship, the first in the program’s history. And Zaden is at it again this spring as the Growls head into the regional round of the 1A State Championships. Go Growls!

It is an honor to recognize Zaden Gauthier as he prepares to graduate and play baseball for Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA. We are proud of you!

About The Bear Creek School

Founded in 1988, in Redmond, Washington, The Bear Creek School provides a challenging academic curriculum taught from a Christian worldview. Our graduates qualify for acceptance into the finest colleges and universities and are prepared to engage the world with wisdom, compassion, and courage.

Celebrating over 30 years and recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School, Bear Creek serves students from the greater Eastside and is housed on two campuses. Redmond Campus on Union Hill serves kindergarten to grade 12 students. Valley Campus, also in Redmond, serves preschool students. The Bear Creek School is accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools and Cognia (formerly AdvancED).