June 17, 2021
By Rafaella Paes
Staff Writer
This article is part of The Lighthouse’s five-part in-depth reporting series dedicated to the Class of 2021.
While many Golden Bears end their involvement in sports when they graduate LHS, these 11 seniors have already committed to playing a sport in college:
Alexa Borino, softball
Pace University, Division II
What do you like best about your sport?
“The thing I like best about my sport is being able to help my team win any way I can. Softball is a game of failure with many components, so when you make a big play or get a key hit, the feeling you get is amazing.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I am looking forward to all the memories and new friendships I will make with my teammates. I am excited to keep learning about the game and compete with the best at a higher level.”
Bryan Cosman, men’s soccer
Columbia University, Division I
What do you like best about your sport?
“I like how the people I’m surrounded with and playing against are passionate about the sport and how much joy it brings to me.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“The thing that I’m looking forward to the most as a college athlete is the experience I’m going to get. It’s going to be very different from a high school athlete.”
Anthony DeMarco, men’s wrestling
Sacred Heart University, Division I
What do you like best about your sport?
“I like the intensity and the individuality. It brings out the best in me when it’s me and someone else one on one and the training pushes my body to limits I didn’t know I could reach.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I’m looking forward to improving every day as a college athlete. It is going to be a whole different world as a college wrestler, and I’m extremely excited to take on the challenge.”
Maggie Fodera, women’s track and field
Bryant University, Division I
What do you like best about your sport?
“I like how track is for the most part an individual sport, and when you perform it’s all on you and you can’t make any excuses for yourself.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I’m most excited for the new competition I’ll be facing in college because better competition pushes me to want to become a better athlete.”
Alexia Jorge, baseball
St. Elizabeth’s University, Division III
What do you like best about your sport?
“I love hard work. It’s really nice to see myself work hard at something for a long time and then see the results show in my favor. It pushes me to work even harder so I can have more successful moments.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“Honestly, I’m looking forward to the long days where my schedule is early morning lifts, class, practice, work, etcetera. It’s all a lot of hard work, and I feel like I can conquer that challenge. I also can’t wait to have that first college game, start, at bat. Things like that only come once, but you’ll remember them forever.”
Carley Martin, women’s basketball
Misericordia University, Division III
What do you like best about your sport?
“I love being in control and the momentum of basketball.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I’m looking forward to making new relationships with teammates and coaches.”
Kiara Salme, women’s volleyball
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Park, Division III
What do you like best about your sport?
“What I like best about volleyball is the willingness to not let the ball touch the floor. I also like the bond and communication you have with the team. It helps so much because you want everyone on the same page.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I’m looking forward to growing more as a player, learn[ing] new strategies of the game and meet[ing] new teammates. I’m really looking forward to just playing volleyball in general. I would’ve really regretted it if I stopped playing the sport I love.”
Adam Venezia, baseball
Eastern University, Division III
What do you like best about your sport?
“When I am playing, I am just having fun on the field, and I like the aspect of everyone doing things individually and it all coming together to help the team.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I am excited to play in college because it will be an easy way to meet new people who have the same interests as me, and I can continue to play a sport that I have played all through my life.”
Dylan Weaver, men’s wrestling
Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Division I
What do you like best about your sport?
“The thing I like best about my sport is how difficult it is and the ‘what you put into it is what you get out of it’ aspect of the sport. It is the most physically, emotionally and mentally demanding sport in the world and teaches character. Also, the lifelong connections I have made through this sport is awesome.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I’m looking forward to becoming the best version of myself in the sport of wrestling and making an impact for the up and coming generations. It is a tough sacrifice that I am willing to make, and I’m excited for it. With being a college athlete comes a whole bunch of opportunities and connections that can help me become successful.”
Kaydee Yallo, women’s soccer
Northeastern University, Division I
What do you like best about your sport?
“My favorite part about soccer is the competitive nature. I love competing with other people and pushing myself to be the best.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I’m looking forward to meeting a bunch of new people and becoming super close with my team. And also becoming a better athlete all around.”
Thomas Zurkowski, men’s soccer
Drew University, Division III
What do you like best about your sport?
“The best thing about soccer is definitely meeting new people and competing to always be better each day.”
What are you looking forward to most about being a college athlete?
“I look forward to playing for a university and representing them. It is going to be much different than high school, and I’m excited to see what it leads to.”
PHOTOS COLLECTED BY RAFAELLA PAES
