Chelsea basketball star Sammy Mojica signs his letter-of-intent
to attend Drexel University. Alos pictured are Sammy
parents, Sammy Mojica Sr. and Awilda Morales.
The young athlete, recognized as one of Massachusetts’s premier high school basketball talents, was honored at a memorable gathering.
Inside the Saul Nechtem Gymnasium on Nov. 26, Chelsea High School Athletic Director Frank DePatto orchestrated a special event for standout Red Devil basketball player Sammy Mojica and his national letter-of-intent signing ceremony.
Standing alongside his mother, Awilda Morales, and his father, Chelsea Police officer Sammy Mojica Sr., the athlete formally committed to a full scholarship at Division 1 Drexel University located in Philadelphia, where he will pursue his basketball aspirations.
Currently enrolled at the Brimmer and May School, Mojica, a 6-feet-3-inch guard, selected Chelsea High as the venue for this announcement because the city shaped his youth through basketball and Pop Warner football before he developed into an all-time CHS basketball standout.
“We at Chelsea High School think it is privilege that Sammy asked us to host this special day for him,” DePatto stated.
Adding an uncommon element, the program featured Mojica fielding inquiries from the assembled crowd of students, relatives, and supporters.
“Why did you choose to go to Drexel?” one CHS student inquired.
“Drexel was the first school to recruit me and I felt the relationship with the coaches – they were really good guys and I took a visit to Drexel and it was a very nice school, a very good place to be, and it’s in the city of Philadelphia and it’s just a nice place to be at,” was Mojica’s response.
According to DePatto’s remarks, Mojica joins Jeff Hagan, Lew Perkins, and other legendary figures by becoming a Division 1 college basketball player from CHS, establishing a significant milestone in school history.
Former CHS varsity coach Jay Seigal commented on the accomplishment, noting his connection to Sammy’s father, whom he had previously coached during his own basketball years.
“I actually coached Sammy Sr. as a freshman at Chelsea High School,” Seigal expressed. “I actually had the pleasure of coaching both Mojicas.”
Mojica stood out as an exceptional individual in all respects, according to Seigal’s assessment.
“More than his basketball skills which Sammy obviously worked very hard at, was the fact that he was able to go through 12 years of school and made the right decisions about himself, for his family, with his friends, and when it came to basketball. Academically and socially Sammy did the right thing which is very important. We all know that being a good human being and being a nice person and good citizen is just as great an accomplishment as going to a Division 1 basketball school.”
At Brimmer and May, head coach Tom Nelson emphasized Mojica’s commitment and work ethic, highlighting his 500-plus point output from the previous season.
“To his credit, Sammy worked harder than any kid I’ve ever had to get to his dreams and his goals,” Nelson remarked. “Through it all, his character is what allowed him to get to where he is. He is a very good person. He’s true, he’s genuine, he is who he is. It’s one thing to be talented, but he works hard.”
The signing ceremony concluded with Mojica offering personal reflections from the center of attention.
“I just want to thank my parents for always being there for me,” Mojica conveyed. “I want to thank everybody else for coming out and supporting me today.”
Chelsea High Principal Joseph Mullaney, a former college basketball player at North Adams State College, extended congratulations for this remarkable accomplishment.
“I think it’s just a wonderful opportunity for a great kid coming from a great family,” Mullaney expressed. “Sammy has worked really hard to put himself in this position both on the court and off the court. Sammy has excelled in the classroom. I think Sammy coming back to do his signing in the high school gym speaks volumes about what the Chelsea community means to him. When you think about Chelsea pride, you think about kids like Sammy Mojica.”
On Sunday, Jan. 19, Brimmer and May will participate in a prep tournament game at Chelsea High, offering local basketball enthusiasts an opportunity to view Sammy in action.
When Sammy Mojica takes the court for the Drexel Dragons next year, his performances will reach audiences through national television broadcasts.