Brady Chambers ‘24 and Quinn Mateja ‘24 sign off on their commitments to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level in the Vaughan Gym on Nov. 8 (Garrity/LION).

The first round of future collegiate athletes gathering to officially sign their commitments to their various universities occurred on Nov. 8. The event was held in the Vaughan Gym, where eight total students signed their National Letters of Intent, similar to many other collegiate athletes across the country.

First to sign was softball player Peyton O’Flaherty, who committed to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, continuing her athletic career at the Division I level.

“Right away, [the University of Tennessee Chattanooga] felt like home,” she said. “The coaches and the girls on the team were very welcoming. I had a feeling that it was where I was supposed to be.”

Abby Markworth ‘24 was next to sign, continuing her volleyball career at the Division I level at George Washington University in the fall.

“I chose George Washington because of the family-like community the GW coaches and players have created, the competitive opportunity to play in the A10, and the beautiful campus in DC,” she said. “I am so excited to be a part of the GW team and continue my volleyball career at the collegiate level while also exploring a new city.”

Continuing her volleyball career at the Division I level as well, Grace Turner ‘24 signed with Seton Hall University. 

“I loved the environment that was created for the students [at Seton Hall University],” she said. “It has all the things to allow students to grow into the person they want to become. Also, I have always loved the East Coast so I am excited to experience a different lifestyle to see if I prefer the East Coast or if I’m more made for the Midwest. I’m excited to be part of a team with girls from different backgrounds and life experiences, and this is where all of our paths will cross.”

Playing Division I soccer, Josie Pochocki ‘24 committed to the University of Southern Indiana, and is excited for the competition the team at USI upholds.

“I chose Southern Indiana because they have a really good dietetics program which I’m interested in and it felt like a good fit there,” she said. “I am most excited to play soccer at the next level and the team aspect because all the girls on the team at USI seem so fun.”

Another girl’s soccer player, Brennan Israel ‘24 signed her Letter of Intent to Purdue University Northwest to continue her athletic career at the Division II level. Inspired by recent graduate Katie O’Malley ‘23, Israel is excited to further her dream of continuing soccer.

“I decided to commit to Purdue Northwest because of my soon-to-be coach,” she said. “Coach Mary reminds me of Coach Lanspeary and Coach Newcomb by having so much confidence in me and showing me that I can do more than I think I am capable of.”

Committed to Bucknell University, Collin Sullivan ‘24 looks forward to being reunited with his brother, playing soccer at the Division I level. 

“I am most excited about being able to continue with the sport I love and to be able to compete and fight for something alongside my family,” he said. “I am also ready for a new place with new people to meet and to start friendships with people I will know for the rest of my life.”

Next to sign was Quinn Mateja ‘24, who committed to Morton College to play baseball in the NJCAA.

“I chose Morton because I loved the atmosphere of the school and I loved the coaching staff – they made me feel like I really belonged there,” he said. “It’s always been my dream to play [baseball] in college and I’m so excited that I’m finally able to do that.”

Last to sign was a baseball player as well, Brady Chambers ‘24, who signed with Michigan State University. He will begin competing at the Division I level in the fall.

There are two more signing days this school year, one in the winter and one in the spring, in which students will have the chance to sign their National Letters of Intent. These events are an opportunity for those students committed to their athletic collegiate careers to celebrate their achievements with LT.