Q: What college are you committed to?

A: “Wisconsin Whitewater.”

Q: What sport are you going to play?

A: “Basketball.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to continue playing after high school? 

A: “There’s been moments where I considered not playing and attending a big university, but I knew that basketball wasn’t a part of my life I was ready to be done with.”

Q: What is your major?

A: “I would like to go into public relations.”

Q: Do you think it will be hard to manage your classes with college level athletics?

A: “Yes I do. I think it will be a big adjustment.”

Q: Who has helped you the most get to this point in your basketball career?

A: “Definitely my parents and my AAU coaches.”

Q: Where did you commit and for what sport?

A: “I committed to the University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut, and I am running track and field there.”

Q: What is your major? Minor?

A: “My major is forensic science [and] as of right now I do not have a minor.”

Q: How do you plan on managing your classes with college level athletics?

A: “I think I’ve prepared myself pretty well in high school to begin with. I feel like obviously prioritizing school over sports. But I definitely think [doing] homework in school [or] before practice, and obviously I’m gonna try to finish as much as I can the day before a meet or like, try to do stuff in the morning when I have off periods.”

Q: What led you to make this decision to play a sport in college?

A: “I really love the team aspect of track and I just love the sport. I mean, I didn’t even start freshman year. I ran at South Middle School, but then we had COVID. So I didn’t run freshman year, and I started running sophomore year and after sophomore year, I was like, I love this so much more than [dancing] like I just loved everyone … It was very much more of a team [environment]. It’s a very individual sport, but I think it’s also more of a team sport at the end of the day and I feel like dance is like, yes, you’re [on] a team, but individually it’s all about yourself.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to continue playing after high school? Why?

A: “No. In the beginning, I wanted to dance in college actually. I wanted to be on the Loyola dance team because my top choice was Loyola [at the time]. And then I think after the beginning of last year, I started getting random emails from random colleges and I was like, ‘wait, I kind of like track a little bit more than dance.’ So then I started focusing more on track. And then I was starting to find schools that I could do both at. Last year, in math randomly, I found New Haven. I emailed them and then went from there.”

Q: Why did you choose this college?

A: “New Haven wasn’t even on my list. I didn’t even know it existed. And I was researching schools. [That] had good forensic majors but also maybe a good school that I could run at, like a decent one. And I was looking through my Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) app, which is like a recruiting app for track and other sports, and they came up as a match. So I messaged them, and I was doing more research on them and they’re one of the best schools in the nation for forensics and they have a beautiful campus and it’s a pretty decent sized school so it’s not super small, but it’s smaller class sizes which is good for one on one with the professor. [The professors will] actually know you and know your name. You can build a relationship with them. So I think that’s what I liked the most. And then after visiting and going through the whole school, seeing all the facilities and everything, I kind of fell in love with it and decided to commit there.”

Q: What are you looking forward to about playing a sport in college next year?

A: “Definitely traveling. I have to say getting the free stuff is going to be pretty cool. But definitely traveling and meeting people from everywhere. There’s so many people that are from literally everywhere in New Haven like people from Africa [and] Europe. They’ve come from everywhere to do sports like soccer [and] track and I can’t wait to meet all the different sports and all the different people that I have never met before.”

Q: Who do you have to thank for helping you on this journey for your athletic career?

A: “I have to say probably my mom, [my brother] Nico [and] coaches. But definitely I think my mom and my brother had a big impact on wanting to do a sport in college … [They] encouraged me to do what I want to do.”

Q: Where did you commit, and for what sport?

A: “I’m going to the University of Dayton for track and field.”

Q: What is your major? Minor?

A: “I’m going to be doing elementary education.”

Q: How do you plan on managing your classes with college-level athletics?

A: “On my visit, they explained to me that they were going to have mandatory study hours where you have to reach a time that you study every week that you have to clock in, so I think that will be really helpful. They [also] have so many resources so I know I will get the help I need if I’m struggling or I feel that it’s too much. I think I practiced good time management in high school because I’ve always done sports in school, and I’ve had to manage that, and I’ve been fine.”

Q: What led you to make this decision to run in college?

A: “I never thought that I was going to get the opportunity to run in college, so when I started getting interest from schools, it was probably the most exciting thing. I was just through the roof, I was so excited to have schools reach out to me, and Dayton really clicked so I felt like I would regret it if I didn’t try at least to run and see how it goes. I think it’ll be really fun. I’m really excited. I love track, so it was a hard decision, but I think it’ll work out. I’m excited.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to continue running after high school? Why?

A: “Not really. I don’t think I thought I would have the opportunity to do it. I feel like that’s something that as a kid, you always dream of doing, but I never thought it would be a reality. I was so excited, and I think it’s kind of scary cause it’s fun to commit and say you’re going to run or do a sport in college, but when it actually comes down to it, it’s going to be a lot of work, and it’s going to be a lot of time, but I love track. I love this sport and the girls at Dayton are so special and the coach was so cool, so I honestly couldn’t pass the opportunity.”

Q: Why did you choose Dayton?

A: “Like I said, the girls were super awesome. Those visits, I think, on paper, seem like super fun, like somebody’s bringing you out or flying you out to come and see the school, and they pay for your dinners, and they pay for you to go on different experiences and you get to go and watch the football games on the field. It seems hypothetically really cool, but it’s really draining socially, and you are traveling, and you want to be perfect for the people that you are meeting, but Dayton was one of the schools where I felt like I wasn’t drained. I was actually super excited and I got to stay with the girls in their dorm which I didn’t do at any of the other schools and I feel like that really showed me what it would be like. I got to meet their friends and we just had so much fun together and the coach, his goals and what he saw me doing at this at the school and what I want to accomplish [in] myself really lined up, and I don’t know he just seemed like he had a lot of belief in me and that’s something that really inspired me.” 

Q: What are you looking forward to about running at Dayton next year?

A: “I’m definitely excited to play at the D1 level and compete with some of the fastest girls around the country. I’m also super excited to be with the team and get into the routine at Dayton.” 

Q: Who do you have to thank for helping you on this journey for your athletic career?

A: “My parents have been my biggest supporters ever, and my siblings and my friends, but my parents especially. They helped me make this decision fully; they were always rooting for me. They came to all my meets, and my coaches and my teammates really helped me fall in love with this sport; they pushed me athletically to be my best, but I also think they helped show what it was like to be a good teammate and they brought me to a lot of things that I don’t think I would get to experience.”

Q: Where did you commit to and for what sport?

A: “I committed to the Ohio State University for cheerleading.”

Q: What is your major? 

A: “I plan on majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Religious Studies.”

Q: How do you plan on managing your classes with college level athletics?

A: “There are lots of resources available to student athletes, such as mandatory study hours, free tutors, and access to athlete only study buildings.”

Q: What led you to make this decision to play a sport in college?

A: “I didn’t always know that I wanted to continue in college, but after I got the chance to compete with the US National Team last year, I realized I had the skills to compete at the collegiate level, and with the help of my coaches I started looking into colleges that would be the best fit for me.”

Q: What led you to make this decision to cheer in college?

A: “I love this sport and decided I wanted to continue competing, so collegiate cheerleading was my best option.”

Q: Why did you choose Ohio State?

A: “I chose Ohio State for their incredible team and coaches, facilities, accomplishments and their academic programs.”

Q: Were there any other schools you were considering?

A: “Along with Ohio State, I was considering the University of Kentucky as well as the University of Tennessee Knoxville.”

Q: What are you looking forward to about cheering at Ohio State next year?

A: “I am looking forward to football game days and college nationals, along with meeting new people and making new friends.”

Q: Who do you have to thank for helping you on this journey for your athletic career?

A: “I have to thank my coaches who have helped me become the best cheerleader I can possibly be, and have supported me throughout this journey.”

Q: Where did you commit and for what sport?

A: “Illinois state university and I committed for football.”

Q: What is your major? Minor?

A: “Will probably major in education and minor in business or coaching.”

Q: How do you plan on managing your classes with college level athletics?

A: “They have mandatory study sessions for the first two years or if I can keep my GPA above a 3.2 but other than that just lock in.”

Q: What led you to make this decision to play a sport in college?

A: “I loved playing since I first started and to get an opportunity to continue doing what I love was hard to turn down.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to continue playing after high school? Why?

A: “No, I didn’t always think that I could.”

Q: Why did you choose this college?

A: “It’s in state and they are better than the other offers.”

Q: What are you looking forward to about playing a sport in college next year?

A: “Hitting people.”

Q: Who do you have to thank for helping you on this journey for your athletic career?

A: “I have to thank my family of course, my coaches and God.”

Q: Where did you commit and for what sport?

A: “Butler University and for golf.”

Q: What is your major? Minor?

A: “Finance with a possible minor in economics, but I’m thinking of possibly double majoring in both of those, so we’ll see.” 

Q: How do you plan on managing your classes with golf?

A: “Relying on routine for me would be the biggest thing. Something I’ve not done well in the past is being able to balance both school and golf and focusing a little too much on the golf side of things, which is not going to fly in college. So, as soon as I get to campus in the fall [I want to be] working on a routine and building a routine, especially along with the other freshmen in the class to where … I can just learn to balance both … [and] succeed in both parts.”

Q: At what age did you know you wanted to play golf in college?

A: “Fifth grade, because I used to play soccer competitively and I quit that around fifth or sixth grade to focus on golf.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to continue playing after high school? Why?

A: “Yeah, I never once thought about the possibility of going to college without playing a sport. Now, it just so happened to be golf, but I always wanted to play a sport in college because I genuinely wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I didn’t, because I just care much more about athletics and stuff like that. [I’d rather be] doing something special for a school or university rather than kind of enjoying the typical college life, as some people would say. So, I think that [playing a sport], to me, is more important.”

Q: Why did you choose Butler specifically for golf?

A: “Well, about two years ago I was talking to Notre Dame, which was my dream school at the time, and I had a rough year that year, and so Notre Dame stopped talking to me. But, I had a really good season this past summer and I worked hard … and I ended up talking to Penn State and Butler, [which] were the main two [schools] at the end of the day. The reason I chose Butler was because I really liked the coach. He had a really good background, I knew people on the team … I just like the direction [Butler’s] heading in. I think [the coach] has a pretty cool background [and] resume, and so I think he’ll be somebody that’ll be good to work with for the next four years. At the end of the day [Butler] just felt like the right fit. I don’t think I’d fit in with a bigger school like Penn State, and I just think Butler was the right size and the right pick … I think everything happens for a reason and that was the path that I was supposed to go on.”

Q: What are you looking forward to most about playing golf for the team next year?

A: “I’d say the thing I’m looking forward to most is just improving both myself and as a team. At least, my biggest goal would just be to improve and to win tournaments as a team and as an individual. I’d really like to bring multiple Big East championships back to Butler. It’s been a while since Butler’s had one because Marquette has really dominated the men’s golf Big East [conference], and they’ve become a really good team. Definitely winning a few conference championships would be a success and getting our school to a national championship regional, and hopefully at some point getting our team to a national championship would be a dream. I think we’re capable of doing it and I think it’s just a matter of time. Hard work will beat all the other talented schools, and I think what we’ve got is a lot of hard workers on our team. So, I think anything’s possible from there.”

Q: Who do you have to thank for helping you on this journey for your athletic career?

A: “I’d say my parents 100%. My dad started me in the game and ever since I have fell in love with it. However, my grandparents kind of helped get me involved in certain things like junior camps at their club in Barrington and stuff like that. I’d say the biggest reason I’ve gotten to where I am today is the sacrifices my parents made to get me in tournaments and get me with the best swing coaches in the area. If it weren’t for what my mom and dad have sacrificed, there’s just no chance I’d be in the position I am. I know I’ve worked hard, but it wouldn’t have happened without what they’ve done for me — that’s for sure.”

Q: Where did you commit and for what sport?

A: “I committed to run track at Taylor University.”

Q: What is your major? 

A: “I will be majoring in social work.”

Q: How do you plan on managing your classes with college level athletics?

A: “I plan to just be really intentional with my time to make sure I can stay caught up in school work and still focus on track.”

Q: What led you to make this decision to play a sport in college?

A: “I really enjoy track and I would love the opportunity to have another four years to try and get better and run for a different team! I am also excited to see how college track will differ from high school.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to continue playing after high school? Why?

A: “I actually wasn’t planning on doing track in college but I heard so many good things about the Taylor track team and since it is the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA,) it’s not too much pressure which comes a lot in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA.) So I think it will be able to give me a good balance between athletics and the college experience!” 

Q: Why did you choose this college?

A: “I chose Taylor because I think I will be a really good fit for me. My sister goes there and has had a really good experience, and I loved the team and coaches when I visited. I think it will be a great opportunity to grow as well!”

Q: What are you looking forward to about playing a sport in college next year?

A: “I am looking forward to running for a new team and having new opportunities. I am also really excited to run in a new collegiate environment.”

Q: Who do you have to thank for helping you on this journey for your athletic career?

A: “I would like to give thanks to my parents, coaches and my teammates because they are what made track such a good experience for me and helped to prepare me for this next chapter in life.”

Q: Where did you commit and for what sport?

A: “Northern Illinois University for golf.”

Q: What is your major? Do you have a minor?

A: “My major is business, more specifically marketing.”

Q: How do you plan on managing your classes with college level athletics?

A: “Setting aside a certain amount of time each week so I can get my classes done but still allow myself time to get my golfing in; similar to what I [did] at Prospect the last couple years.”

Q: What led you to make the decision to play golf in college?

A: “I really believe I have a future [in] golf and I am very passionate about the game.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to continue playing after high school? Why or why not?

A: “Yes, because athletics runs in my family and I am very passionate about it. So, I have wanted to [play in college] since I was little.”

Q: Why did you choose NIU?

A: “I chose NIU because the golf practice facilities are next level … The coaches are [also] very knowledgeable and helpful.”

Q: What are you looking forward to about playing golf at NIU next year?

A: “I am looking forward to playing a really great tournament schedule on some of the best golf courses in the world.”

Q: Who do you have to thank for helping you on this journey for your athletic career?

A: “I really thank TPS Player Service. They really helped me improve my game as well as my friends and family. They really pushed me to [be] the best player I can be.”

Q: Where did you commit and for what sport?

A: “I committed to Illinois Wesleyan University for football.”

Q: What is your major? Minor?

A: “I am majoring in teaching and a minor in criminology.”

Q: How do you plan on managing your classes with college level athletics?

A: “I plan on taking advantage of the study hall that the team provides for me.”

Q: What led you to make this decision to play a sport in college?

A: “The coach at Wesleyan really wanted me to come play and I liked the school.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to continue playing after high school? Why?

A: “I actually thought that my football days were over until the Wesleyan coach recognized my talent and that’s why I committed to the Titans.”

Q: Why did you choose this college?

A: “I chose this college because it is a small school with a big school feeling and then to play football.”

Q: What are you looking forward to about playing a sport in college next year?

A: I look forward to being a part of a college football team.”

Q: Who do you have to thank for helping you on this journey for your athletic career?

A: “I want to thank my mom and dad and my coaches.”