The first of three signing days this school year took place on Nov. 9 in the Vaughan gym at 7 a.m. with a new student athlete rotating in to sign their National Letter of Intent (NLI) approximately every 10 minutes. 

“It’s an opportunity for student athletes and their family, friends, whoever they want to come in, and celebrate the fact that they are signing to compete at another level when they leave here from LT,” Athletic Director John Grundke said.

Students were able to sign up for Fall Signing Day by filling out a Google Form sent out by Grundke, he said. Any student who is playing a college sport can come and sign, the division does not matter. 

“It’s a time for them to come in and celebrate and we send it out on social media afterwards,” Grundke said.

The first to sign was Quinn Collins ‘23, committed to swim Division I at the University of Denver.

“I immediately clicked with the team on my official visit, and loved the campus and training facilities,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to swim in college, with the goal to make the NCAA meet, which is considered to be one of the biggest achievements in the sport.”

Continuing her swimming career as well, Maggie Adler ‘23, signed to swim Division I at University of Illinois of Urbana Champaign.

“I chose Illinois not only because of the great academics, but the atmosphere of the team was beyond welcoming and the coaching staff was incredible,” she said. “I love the competition, high intensity training, and the bonding [swimming] creates.”

Committed to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor to play Division I water polo, Emilia Mladjan ‘23 looks forward to playing her sport at the next level.

“I chose this school because it combined an amazing water polo program with an education that is just as good,” she said. “Along with that, the resources at this school for athletes and students are amazing.”

Ally Cesarini ‘23 was next to sign and knew playing basketball at Division II Lewis University was the perfect fit for her.

“The team and coaching staff is amazing,” she said. “I’m most excited to create more bonds with my future teammates and ultimately grow as a player and person.” 

Playing Division I soccer, Katie O’Malley ‘23 signed her NLI to Illinois State University.

“After playing my whole life, especially in high school, it introduced me to the camaraderie of sports and how close you get with all your teammates,” she said.

Kamryn Lee-Caracci ‘23 was the next athlete to sign as she committed to Georgetown University to play Division I volleyball.

“I chose this school because the highly academic curriculum fit my collegiate expectations,” she said. “But also because of the team culture that I see myself fitting into.”

Playing Division I volleyball at Siena College, Katie Debs ‘23 signed her NLI with enthusiasm to continue playing volleyball, she said.

“I am most excited for my experience that I will have here academically and athletically,” she said. “The size of the school is perfect for me and I just love everything about it.”

Committed to Northern Illinois University, Tess Meyer ‘23 signed to play Division I softball.

“I love that the school is close to home so my biggest supporters and my family can easily come and watch,” she said. “The softball program rocks and the school spirit as soon as I walked on campus felt like home.”

Being a part of NAIA Division I baseball at Saint Xavier University, Troy Stukenberg ‘23 is ready to fulfill his dream of playing collegiate baseball.

“I’m most excited [about] playing baseball for another three to four years,” he said. “Playing collegiate baseball has been a dream of mine since I was 13 years old and I’ve worked really hard to make that dream a reality.”

Another baseball commit, Xzavier Vargas ‘23 signed to University of Wisconsin-Parkside to play Division II baseball.

“I love the environment and the tools that the school can provide me with during my next four years in college,” he said.

Frederick Ragsdale III ‘23 signed his commitment to play Division I baseball at Kent State University. 

“[Kent State University] took a chance when most other schools looked away,” Ragsdale said. “Being a smaller kid it was harder for me to get on a coach’s radar but right away Kent State liked me.”

Continuing on at Loras College playing DIII baseball, Conor Mulcrone ‘23 is looking forward to continuing his family tradition of attending Loras.

“I love playing baseball and to keep playing in college was a dream of mine,” he said.

Running Division I at Vanderbilt University, Catherine Sommerfeld ‘23 can’t wait to gain experience competing in the SEC with her new teammates.

“I decided I want to run in college because a collegiate team is made of dedicated athletes,” she said. “It’s exciting to have a team with good intentions and amazing teammates.”

Last up to sign was MaryAgnes Sistino ‘23 who committed to row Division I at Sacred Heart University.

“I feel very passionate about rowing so in my recruitment I was very picky about where I wanted to row in college,” she said. “SHU felt like the perfect fit and the rowing team there would make me thrive as an athlete and a student.”

There are still two remaining signing days coming up in the winter, Feb. first, and spring, May third.

Gallery • 14 Photos

Quinn Collins ‘23, committed to swim Division I at the University of Denver (Wolf/LION).