Celebrating Student-Athletes on NLI Signing Day

“When I think about James, persistence and grit really come to mind. James really willed this into existence. It’s been super fun to watch him grow up and watch him play. He is going to do amazing things at Villanova.” 

“One of the amazing things about Maria is just how many academic and extracurricular activities she takes on. And when she takes something on, she is always devoted. She is always present and in the moment. Consistency and reliability are the name of her game. It goes without saying that Maria is a hard worker. There isn’t a day that goes by where this character trait falters. It is her all-around devotion to the hard work that will allow Maria to excel at the next level. ”

“Primarily a defender, Madelyn has incredible awareness of opponents’ positioning and has a long reach to steal balls and make deceptive pulls and dodges. She also has great vision to distribute the ball, set up the attack and she can score goals. She has willed her team to perform through encouragement, direction, her ability to bring people together and her unforgettable laugh. It will be fun to see her play just a few miles down the road next year at the University of Richmond.” 

“To say that Reynolds is one of the most improved players I’ve had the chance of coaching may be an understatement. I’ve watched her through trials and tribulations in her lacrosse career, and she has continued to fight to get to this point. I’m grateful for Reynolds’s commitment to this sport and this team. Reynolds has the ability to stay diligent. I couldn’t be more proud of how far she has come and I can’t wait to see all that she does next year at the next level. 

“I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Amani since her Sophomore season and it has truly been an honor to see her grow into the well-rounded leader that she has become today. She has grown skill, dedication and confidence on and off the field. While she is consistently one of the best athletes on the field, what I admire most about Amani is the impact she has on those around her. She leads by example and is one of the hardest workers I’ve had the honor of coaching. She has the uncanny ability to raise the level of those around her, and that’s something that cannot be taught.” 

“One of only three 8th Graders in program history to ever make the varsity team, an incredibly rare three year captain and a dynamic and creative player, Bobby has done all he can possibly be asked to do as a lacrosse player. The most impressive part of his career, though, is what he’s done as a leader. Bobby is the master of the art of practicing awareness. Bobby is constantly thinking about and working for the needs of the team and the individuals on it. He told me a while back that he hopes to one day use lacrosse to positively impact the lives of others. Brother, you’re already there. It’s been a real pleasure, and I can’t wait to watch what comes next.”  

“Keaton has been an important player for us. Our mantra has always been about growth, gratitude and greatness. Since her 8th Grade year she’s grown each year; every day when she comes out on the field she is so thankful to be with her teammates; and in all that she does she strives for greatness. The best thing I can say about Keaton is that she’s a champion. Thanks for your great work, Keaton.” 

“From early on Barrett stood out to me as an athlete that was truly going to be successful at the next level due to her grit, determination and reliance. There are so few athletes that have that innate quality, the idea that they will find a way to finish, find a way to succeed and do what’s best for the team. Barrett has that strength in her. I think her teammates would describe her as someone they’ve always been able to rely on consistently on and off the field. She is a player that does not waver in her convictions and goals, which is rare in a high school athlete. We wish her all the best as she continues her lacrosse career at Wofford College.” 

Colin Ryan, basketball, Washington and Lee University   

“When I think of Colin I think of hard work, character, leadership, quiet confidence and dependability. Our program motto is culture wins, and he represents that culture on and off the court. He’s dependable and accountable, and Washington and Lee could not be getting a finer young man. I’m so proud of him and so excited about the journey.”