On the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Athletic Department hosted a fall National Letter of Intent college signing event. Eleven Central athletes participated, and there are expected to be more signing days throughout the year as more athletes finalize their plans.

Brooke Istvan, senior and volleyball player who committed to Harvard, explained the process, which differs slightly for Ivy Leagues.

“It starts usually sophomore year, but it depends on what level athlete you are,” Istvan said. “The best volleyball players commit freshmen year, sometimes. You e-mail them and talk to them a little bit. Then they come watch you maybe…go to summer camps maybe. I went to the Harvard summer camp.”

She verbally committed in July and apologized to coaches from the other colleges who wanted to recruit her; when she signed, she had not yet been admitted into the university, but received her official letter of acceptance Oct. 1.

Similarly, Senior basketball player Gabrielle Rush explained her choice to commit to Princeton University in June.

“Princeton actually has a competitive basketball team,” Rush said. “I definitely wanted academics first, and I just happened to find both at Princeton.”

Senior Annemarie Tracey committed to Florida Southern College for softball just a day after receiving notice of a scholarship.

“I verbally committed to go to Florida Southern Oct. 7,” Tracey said.

These seniors can enjoy a less stressful senior year and a smoother transition to college.

“The lack of stress is awesome,” Istvan said.

“The best thing about playing a sport in college is that you are always staying active, and you will have teammates that will already be your friends,” Tracey said. “I’m most excited for being in warm weather and playing the sport I love.”

The seniors admitted that while there is less stress, they know the importance of maintaining their level of commitment until June. Ultimately, the excitement of joining a new team keeps their motivation strong.

 “I’m excited to have the team,” Rush said. “They all seem so close. And the gear you get is awesome.”

Student-athletes that participated:

Lope Adelakun         University of Wisconsin-Madison           Tennis

Chris Botsoe              University of Louisville                               Baseball

Lauren Fuller            University of San Diego                               Volleyball

Eddie Grabill             Dartmouth University                                  Tennis

Brooke Istvan           Harvard University                                       Volleyball

Martin Joyce             Ohio State University                                   Tennis

Faith Koffron             Lindenwood University                               Softball

Michael Lorenzini   Northwestern University                            Tennis

Margy McCarthy      University of Alabama                                 Diving

Gabrielle Rush          Princeton University                                     Basketball

Annemarie Tracey  Florida Southern College                             Softball