Nov. 10 marked the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Fall Signing Day, where 13 LT seniors finalized their college commitments in the Vaughn Gym.

Hailey Markworth ‘22, who has committed to Winona State University for basketball, has played all four years on the LT girls varsity team, always as a strong competitor.

“I have been hoping for this chance since I was younger,” Markworth said. “It’s exciting to make it official.”

Both Markworth and her teammate, Olivia Mezan ‘22 (committed to the University of Missouri-St. Louis), are top players for the 2021-22 season, but still expect challenges heading into their college season next year.

“The game is going to be totally different,” Markworth said. “It’s going to feel stronger and faster, so we definitely have to work on a lot of things before then.”

LT had one boys cross-country commit, Charlie McLawhorn ‘22, who has committed to Tulane University. McLawhorn competed at the cross-country state finals to complete his high school career.

“Today’s an accumulation of everything coming together in one day,” he said. “It signifies all the work I’ve done and how my coaches and teammates have pushed and allowed me to reach this point in my career.”

This day was also a reflection of the many accomplishments McLawhorn had in his cross-country career, and what running has meant to him.

“Running well was a goal for the season, but the main goal was creating relationships with my coach and teammates that I will remember for a lifetime,” he said.

Anastasia Bozevic ‘22 is looking forward to her college career playing girls tennis at North Central College. Bozevic competed on varsity for three years, and took an off-season her junior year, due to the unpredictability of the season with COVID-19 restrictions.

“I’m proud I was able to stay on my path to getting to where I wanted to be for tennis and to also stay motivated,” she said.

Bozevic competed at sectionals and qualified for the state tournament, but wishes she could have played better to have a preferred placement.

“I definitely expect to improve and have a good college experience while playing a competitive sport,” she said. “I really love the challenge and pressure when facing my competitors.”

Baseball commits, Jack McNamara ‘22 (University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh) and Charlie Breen ‘22 (University of Wisconsin-Platteville), are excited to finally have made a decision and be able to participate in signing day. They may even cross paths in their new career.

“I hope to start four years, make an impact, and play my teammate, Jack McNamara,” Breen said. 

After their high school career is over in the spring, the boys will continue to work hard to meet their goals in college.

“All the hard work has paid off and now we get to move on to greater things,” McNamara said.

Other athletes not quoted:

Novalee Roberto ‘22: water polo, St. Francis University (PA)

Eleanor Musgrove ‘22: soccer, U.S. Air Force Academy

Isabella Lee ‘22: soccer, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

Will Caronchi ‘22: golf, Lehigh University

Ava Paganis ‘22: softball, Bryant University (RI)

Tavari Johnson ‘22: basketball, University of Akron

Owen Cornell ‘22: soccer, University of Notre Dame