Celebrating Student-Athletes on their College Commitments

Collegiate School’s Director of Athletics Andrew Stanley, coaches, teammates and families gathered in Oates Theater to celebrate 12 student-athletes from the Class of 2023 for their commitment to continuing their careers as NCAA athletes. Congrats, Cougars! You make us proud. 

TYLER BRAND, GOLF, DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

“During his Junior year, Tyler emerged as a consistent force on our state championship team. He’s an energetic player that keeps those around him laughing. He’s a true student of the game who strives to excel in everything he does. Congrats on your commitment to Dartmouth. The big green is getting a good one!” 

-Jeff Dunnington, Head Coach

STAN CRAIG, CROSS COUNTRY, AMHERST COLLEGE

“Stan's career at Collegiate has been marked by his growth — both in his leadership and his running ability. Overcoming obstacles is just part of Stan's DNA. Last year, when he broke his collarbone in a workout, he picked himself up and began the process of healing and getting back on the track. He’s really stepped into his role as a leader and helped his team do a lot of great things. We’re really proud of everything Stan has done as a runner, but we’re more proud of what he's done as a teammate and a friend. He’s wise, hardworking and very coachable. We’re going to miss him.”

-Matthew Richardson, Head Coach

CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM, FOOTBALL, DENISON UNIVERSITY

“Charlie loves football, and he works hard to support his teammates. What I like about him is his commitment to his team and his willingness to pitch in and help in all areas. I’m excited to see what he will bring to Denison. He’s worked hard for this. He had goals and truly worked to achieve them. I know that when he heads off to Denison he is going to be bringing a great work ethic, a great attitude and a tremendous athletic ability.”

-Mark Palyo, Head Coach 

GABI DEGLAU, TRACK AND FIELD, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

“I don't think Gabi realizes the impact she’s had on our throwing program as well as our entire track program. She’s an athlete who demonstrates leadership, patience and excitement for younger athletes. Her commitment, drive and dedication to be the best thrower she can be does not go unnoticed. Gabi has earned this. This is a story of an athlete who knew she loved athletics, tried a lot of sports and found the sport she fell in love with and excels at. She has worked so hard to continue her athletic career at the next level, and she deserves all the success that comes to her.” 

- Beth Kondorossy, Head Coach

LIZA FERGUSSON, LACROSSE, ROANOKE COLLEGE

“Liza is vocal, brave and everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She's the first to jump in any drill, she’s unwavering and she’s not scared of making a mistake. I’ve always admired her for this. She’s a strong, gritty player who is a difference maker on the field. She does a lot of little things that don’t always get noticed or receive the most recognition, but these are the intangibles that make the biggest difference. All these attributes will serve her well at the next level.”

-Christina Dobson, Head Coach 

LILY HARTLEY, SOFTBALL, DICKINSON COLLEGE

“Lily is a two-year captain and a team leader. She has continued to improve her game. She mentors younger players to help them adjust to the rigors of playing a varsity sport, and her teammates look to her for leadership, knowing that she has handled just about every type of situation. Lily is a hard worker and a fighter, and she will do what it takes to help her team succeed. As she heads off to Dickinson next year, I’m excited to see what her next chapter will hold. While I can’t predict the future, I do know that she will handle whatever’s thrown her way.”

- Robby Turner, Head Coach

COLLIN KIMBALL-MCKAVISH, BASEBALL, RHODES COLLEGE

“We’re so excited for Collin and his commitment to Rhodes College. You are certainly well deserving of this opportunity. I’ve seen you come really, really far as a player since I first met you, which I think is a byproduct of your hard work and your consistent effort. Collin is incredibly even-keeled. He’s never too high or too low, which, as an athlete, is great, but it’s also a great attribute to have as a human being. He’s a great teammate, he’s selfless. In your next chapter,  keep leading by example. We’re really proud of you, and we’re happy for your family. Thanks for everything you have done for our program.”

-Andrew Slater, Head Coach

LUCY OTTLEY, TENNIS, SEWANEE: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH

“Lucy is a player who is always giving 110% on and off the court — always putting in the extra time when needed. She leads by example, raising the intensity and focus around her. She is a ferocious competitor who hates to lose. She fights to the very end, leaving everything out there. Give her a game plan and a target and watch her execute it. She uses her consistent groundstrokes and grit to work the entire court. She’s an excellent team member, typically the first and possibly the loudest one cheering and encouraging everyone on. I’m so proud of you and so excited to see what you accomplish at Sewanee.”

-Allyson Brand, Head Coach

TUCKER SMITH, GOLF, HAMPDEN-SYDNEY COLLEGE

“Tucker serves as a prime example of how good things can happen when you’re working harder. Tucker has an immense love for golf. I’ve never once heard him complain to me or his teammates when he was kept from competing. Despite injury, he kept working hard — whether that be putting and chipping, time spent on the range or in the weight room, or the countless hours spent in physical therapy. I can’t wait to see all that he will accomplish playing a full season for us this year. Congratulations, Tucker Best of luck at Hampden-Sydney.”

-Jeff Dunnington, Head Coach

DREW STANLEY, LACROSSE, CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY

“It has been an honor to see Drew grow so much as a player and a person over the past four years. She’s a player who’s truly had to work for everything. She put in the work when no one else was watching, and all of her effort has paid off. Drew is a team player to her core. She is kind, dedicated, loyal and committed. She fully embodies our program’s values. I can’t wait to see what’s next for her at CNU.”

-Christina Dobson, Head Coach 

MICHAEL WEST, SPRINT FOOTBALL, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

“I’m super excited to see what Michael is going to bring to the University of Pennsylvania. He’s going to take that same leadership with him that he brought every day to Collegiate and our football program. He’s going to carry that spirit with him. So congratulations, Michael!”

-Mark Palyo, Head Coach 

KRYSTIAN WILLIAMS, FOOTBALL, VIRGINIA TECH

“There’s a lot I can say about Krystian and the kind of player he is. He’s a great player. It’s pretty amazing when you have a young athlete that has multiple ACC and BIG 10 offers to play either defensive back or wide receiver, which tells you a little bit about him as an athlete. He’s worked hard to put him in the position he is in right now and the opportunities he has. I know he’s going to bring those talents to Virginia Tech, and I’m really excited for him. Congratulations, Krystian!”

-Mark Palyo, Head Coach 


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