Three local athletes recently signed their letters of intent to attend major Division I universities.

Heritage swimmer Madison Applegate, left, who finished fifth in the 100-yard butterfly event in the 2011 North Coast Section Championship meet, has chosen to attend UCLA. Applegate, seen here shaking hands with Principal Larry Oshodi, signed the letter of intent to become a Bruin in a ceremony with her relatives, friends, teammates and coaches. She said she chose UCLA because she’s always wanted to live in Southern California.

Freedom pitcher Joe Navilhon, below left, seen here with his mother and father, Sue and Larry, and Falcons head coach Gary Alexander, will play for Cal State Fullerton. Navilhon, whose father also pitched for the Titans, said he’s excited to become part of Fullerton’s storied baseball tradition. Navilhon held batters to a .207 batting average in 2011 and racked up a team-high 31 strikeouts.

Heritage softball pitcher Lisa Rodrigues, far below left, a first-team all-league selection last year, signed her letter of intent to attend the University of New Mexico. Rodrigues is pictured at the celebration with father Dan, sister Stephanie and mother Patty. Rodrigues said she chose to become a Lobo because it felt like the best choice out of the schools she considered.