LT held their last signing day of the year on April 12 in the NC Vaughan gym, acknowledging the students who have made a commitment to college athletics. Along with two previous dates, Feb. 1, and Nov. 9, 2022, these signing days gave student athletes the opportunity to officially sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) in front of their coaches and family members.

First to sign was Mark Calzada ‘23, committing to Division III football at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, followed by Connor Carroll ‘23, committing to Aurora University for volleyball at the Division II level.

“I committed to Aurora because their coach is one of the best in the country and I really liked the guys on the team,” he said.

Next to sign was Will DiSessa ‘23, attending the University of St. Thomas to continue his track and field career at the Division I level.

“Even before I got recruited for track, I really liked St. Thomas and the programs they offer, as well as the location,” DiSessa said. “I think I’m most excited to compete at the DI level along with athletes that are competitive not only on the college level, but also at the world level.”

Continuing with her soccer career, Natalie Dybas ‘23 signed to St. Xavier University, competing at the Division III level. 

“St. Xavier is a private Catholic University with a great women’s soccer program,” Dybas said. “My mother went there for college and when I was younger I would run around the track at St. Xavier saying that someday I wanted to go there, too. St. Xavier has an excellent academic reputation, and offers the opportunity to live and study in Chicago, which is very appealing to me.”

Amanda Hahn ‘23 committed to Vassar College to play Division III lacrosse.

“I chose Vassar because of the strong academics, stunning campus, and the coaching staff of the lacrosse team,” she said. “I am most excited about getting to know my new teammates and going to school a train ride away from New York City.”

Next was Cooper King ‘23, signing to Illinois Wesleyan University for football at the Division III level. Also continuing his football career, Danny Pasko ‘23 signed to the University of Nebraska to play at the Division I level.

“I chose Nebraska because it just felt like a huge family out there,” Pasko said. “Everyone cares about you and everybody wants you to succeed in football and outside of football. It also has an amazing history and a great head coach. I’m just excited to start a new chapter of my life and have a great time doing it.”

Continuing with track and field, Becky Phillips ‘23 signed to St. Louis University and will also be competing at the Division I level.

“It’s a very welcoming environment both athletically and academically that I can benefit from,” she said. “I really loved my visits and the coaching staff was very accommodating and kind, plus SLU is the perfect distance from home and a school size I wanted.” 

Sara Schinker ‘23 signed to Carthage College to continue her soccer career at the Division III level. 

“It’s close but far enough away from home, a beautiful campus, has my major, and overall felt like the right fit for me,” she said. “I’m really excited to play soccer at Carthage because I get to continue playing the sport I love.”

Matthew Skwarek ‘23 is continuing his bowling career at the University of St. Francis, at the Division III. 

“Their bowling program is outstanding, and they recently won the National Championship for men’s and women’s bowling,” he said. “I am most excited about traveling to all of the tournaments and getting to know everyone on the team.

Will Swicionis ‘23 was the last to sign, continuing his soccer career at St. Norbert College at the Division III level. 

“I chose St. Norbert because of the connection I had to the school already,” he said. “I have one brother who will be a junior there next year, and I have my twin brother who has committed to play there as a freshman next year as well. It is a dream to be able to play with my two best friends in college.”

All these students will be graduating from LT on May 31, and will begin their college athletic careers starting in the fall at their chosen schools. 

Gallery • 11 Photos

Amanda Hahn ‘23 signs to continue her lacrosse career at Vassar College (Pohl/LION).