Four scholar-athletes from Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School class of 2025 recently committed to continue their sports at the collegiate level, bringing the total signed athletes in the JPII class of 2025 to fifteen. On May 6, 2025, the JPII high school community, parents, and guests gathered for an athletic signing ceremony to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of the six athletes as their coaches detailed how each scholar-athlete lived out the JPII mission through their strength of mind, body, character, and spirit. 

Delnora Darden will continue her volleyball career at Mount Mary University in the fall. Delnora has dedicated all four of her high school years to the volleyball team, whether it was on the JV or Varsity level, even receiving the “perfect attendance” award multiple years. During her junior year, she became a key starter, which continued into her senior year, where she played in all 25 matches. Although Delnora found roles primarily as middle blocker and right side hitter, she has showcased her solid and consistent volleyball skills in all areas. Coach Jewell Foester commented, “Delnora has stepped in as an outside hitter, she can be counted on for a wicked serve, she is a dependable passer in serve receive, and she has also shown great defensive skills in the back row.” Along with volleyball, Delnora has also participated on the JPII track team. 

Kamden Days will play basketball for Christian Brothers University in the fall. Coach Charles Wade remarked, “Throughout his basketball career at JPII, Kamden He just kept working, and he kept growing.  By his senior year, Kamden wasn’t just one of our best players—he became one of our leaders. He was entrusted as a team captain, and he earned that title every single day.” Kamden earned All-Region, All-County, and All-Mid-State honors. He leaves JPII as the school’s all-time leader in blocks, with 109, and he holds the all-time record in field goal percentage at 62%.

Andrew Monfette will compete on the archery team at University of Montevallo in the fall. Relatively new to archery, Andrew has earned one third-place medal, four second-place medals, and nine first-place medals — all in just two years. Coach Eric Lamb remarked, “That’s an impressive record, built on hard work, focus, and determination.” In 2024, Andrew was named the Young Adult Male Barebow Shooter of the Year.

Although Zander Palmer signed to continue his football career at Rhodes College, he was recently named as a recipient of a nomination to West Point Military Academy. Over Zander’s football career at JPII, he’s been a two-way starter at tight end and linebacker, earned All-Region and All-County honors in consecutive years, and led our team in tackles each of the past two seasons. He finished his career with 159 total tackles, including two fumble recoveries, a sack, and seven tackles for loss. Coach Brian Sneed commented, “He was the kind of player you could count on to give his best effort, regardless of the situation. That mindset led him to not only being a key contributor for us on both offense and defense.”