Ivy League Bound: Kyler Ronquillo Commits to Princeton University

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Kyler Ronquillo, the two time South Sound Conference offensive MVP and one-time league MVP, committed to Princeton University following his official visit to campus during the first weekend of February.

Ronquillo originally committed to Portland State University last July, but just days before signing day, Ronquillo was informed that Portland State would not honor his commitment due to a “change of scheme.”

“Last month was super chaotic, both good and bad, but I came out on top,” Ronquillo said. “I battled some adversity through injury and made some new experiences. Losing the Portland State offer so late in the game affected my mental state and confidence, but I reflected on it for a while, talked to the people close to me and got back into the recruiting world. It’s all paying off now.”

Ronquillo, who helped lead Yelm to its first 3A State Football Championship in program history in December, went on his official visit to Princeton University with his parents Jason and Christine. Ronquillo said it was a special opportunity for his parents to attend the official visit with him.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and most people don’t get to see Princeton,” he said. “What’s crazy is we didn’t just see it, we get to live it now.”

During his visit, Ronquillo said he had the opportunity to watch how the team operates through lifting sessions and player-led workouts.

“I really enjoyed my visit. I toured all the facilities, that includes every facility, not just football. I got to see it all,” Ronquillo said. “It reminded me of how we ran things at Yelm and I felt at home there.”

The two-way Yelm star said he met with several coaching staff members. Ronquillo also met his new position coach, Princeton’s defensive backs coach EJ Henderson.

Ronquillo wanted to thank Yelm Athletic Director Rob Hill for connecting with Henderson, who was Hill’s teammate during their time playing football at Central Washington University. He said Hill played a big role in getting him connected with Princeton’s staff and getting him to the campus.



“I got to meet some of the staff pretty quickly and I really like them. They’re super good people,” Ronquillo said. “I enjoyed hanging out with the players on campus. I also connected with a lot of the incoming class who were already committed. They knew I was coming on my official visit and they hit me up, sent me good vibes and asked me how it went. They made me feel at home and comfortable.”

He added Princeton’s football culture reminded him a lot of the culture in Yelm’s program. Princeton has gone 35-5 in their last four seasons, which includes two Ivy League championships.

“It’s a special opportunity. It shows a lot about the people I have around me, the family I have around me and all the different support systems I have around Yelm,” Ronquillo said. “If you really put your mind to it, keep your grades up, anything can happen. No one looked at me and thought I’d be an Ivy League student-athlete.”

Ronquillo, who sports a 3.95 GPA, said he anticipates studying social decisions and economics during his time at Princeton.

He also wanted to share a message to upcoming young athletes who have aspirations as big as Ronquillo’s NFL dreams.

“Put your head down and grind. People say it’s cliche, but if you really put your head down and grind, the human body is capable of so much,” Ronquillo said. “You can prove everyone wrong (and) meet your goals. Don’t forget about the importance of class either. Take your headphones out, stay off your phone and be attentive. If you get your work done in class and use your time wisely, I promise you can be in the same position I’m in. If you just stay focused, anyone can make it happen.”

He also wanted to tell those involved with the Princeton football program that they can expect Ronquillo to be “the hardest worker in the building.”

“Whether that’s in the weight room, on the field, or in the classroom, I was born that way,” he said. “I grew up around people with that same mentality and all I know is hard work. I love it and I don’t see that changing anytime.”