News & Events

Congratulations to the 21 Norfolk Academy seniors who signed commitments to play athletics at a wide array of colleges during a ceremony on November 13, 2024.

• Bela Cancado, Volleyball – The University of the South - Sewanee​
• Sabrina Casagrande, Sailing – Tulane University​
• Nathan Chay, Lacrosse – Hampden-Sydney College​
• Costello Ciuffo, Football – University of Rochester​
• Mia Clarkson, Field Hockey – Penn State University​
• Parker Codington, Baseball – Princeton University​
• Cooper Cutchins, Field Hockey – Penn State University​
• Charlie Dailey, Lacrosse - Kenyon College​
• Will Foley, Football – Hampden-Sydney College ​
• Addy Hennessy, Soccer – Christopher Newport University ​
• Sydney Huddleston, Field Hockey – American University​
• Sofia Kohler, Swimming – University of North Carolina Wilmington​
• Peyton McGee, Volleyball – Bucknell University​
• CJ Murray, Baseball – Merchant Marine Academy ​
• Jack Payne, Football – Washington and Lee University ​
• Joji Purdy, Field Hockey – Penn State University​
• Josie Saffold, Lacrosse – High Point University ​
• Chance Stuart, Track and Field – Lehigh University ​
• Blaise Van Slyke, Swimming – William & Mary​
• Xander Willis, Lacrosse – Roanoke College​
• Zach Wood, Lacrosse – U.S. Naval Academy ​

Across the nation, student-athletes traditionally are able to begin signing commitments to compete in college in November of their senior year. Schools hold ceremonies highlighting the athletic and academic accomplishments of these students.

Academy's ceremony in Johnson Theater highlighted not only the athletic feats of the 21, but their academic successes and growth. Director of Athletics Chad Byler thanked the teachers, coaches, and advisors who helped each student-athlete reach this point, as well as the parents and family members who have been supporting them through their many years of hard work.

“This ceremony is not just about celebrating the incredible athletic accomplishments of these young men and women," Byler said. "It's about honoring their tireless dedication, the relentless pursuit of being a Bulldog, and the hard work they have poured into their academics as well as their sports.   

College Counselor Steve Monninger, who also is Director of Fitness, Strength, and Conditioning, and coach of the football team, serves as a bridge between the college counseling and athletics departments. He reminded the student-athletes of all they've accomplished and the work they'll need to put in at the next level. 

“When you compete in college, things will not always come easy," Monninger said. “There will certainly be moments of adversity that will come your way. Our only advice to you is that you rely on the values of work ethic, grit, and mental toughness that you've already demonstrated here at Norfolk Academy."

“Be ready to push harder than you ever have before. We know you will continue to make us proud," Monninger added. 

The student-athletes then spoke, thanking their families, teachers, coaches, trainers, and so many more people who have helped them along the way. Here's a snippet:

Bela Cancado: “I am thankful for the practices, games, and moments I got to spend with an amazing group of people. I will never forget the positivity, honesty, and guidance that I gained from Coach Hopkins. Without her coaching and commitment to developing my skills I would not be the person I am today."

Sabrina Casagrande: “I would like to thank my old NA teammates for showing me at a young age what a team really looks like."

Nathan Chay: “My coaches have been such an instrumental part of my life here at Norfolk Academy. Thank you for helping me along the way and shaping me into the person I am today."

Costello Ciuffo: “I know I wouldn't be here without the unwavering support of my team and the people who have helped me along the way."

Mia Clarkson: “To my teammates, thank you for always pushing me to work harder and for all of the great memories and wins along the way."

Parker Codington: To my coaches, “The lessons you have given me on and off the field will forever stay with me."

Cooper Cutchins: “Thank you NA field hockey for the best coaches, teammates, and family I could ask for. I am forever grateful for all of you and wish we could play just one more game together."

Charlie Dailey: “Thank you NA for giving me a great experience and best friends. And thank you for those friends who have been there for me every day."

Will Foley: “I want to thank my coaches who have guided me to the man I am today."

Addy Hennessy: “On top of the great relationship with my parents, soccer has given me so many friendships that I'll hold on to as I navigate the next chapter of my life."

Sydney Huddleston: To my coaches, “Thank you for pushing me to be my best and always supporting me. Thank you to my friends for the late night calls. Having you as an outlet was more helpful than you will ever know."

Sofia Kohler: “A big thanks to my friends and teammates for cheering me on and pushing me to the fullest potential."

Peyton McGee: “I want to give a huge thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and friends for all their support and encouragement throughout this journey. This moment wouldn't be possible without you standing by my side."

CJ Murray: “I would also like to thank my coaches, specifically Coach LaVigne and Coach Banks, and teammates and friends who have supported my dream to play college baseball. You all motivated me to be the best player I could be."

Jack Payne: “To my coaches, thank you for pushing me to be my best both on and off the field."

Joji Purdy: “Thank you to my teammates for showing me how important team chemistry is."

Josie Saffold: “NA Athletics has brought me so many amazing memories, friendships, and mentors that I will never forget. But for me, the most impactful aspect would be the sense of leadership, camaraderie, and commitment that I know I could not have gained from any other program."

Chance Stuart: “I was a little nervous to try something new sophomore year and come out for throwing. The incredible coaching staff here supported me and helped me develop as an athlete and a leader."

Blaise Van Slyke: “Thank you to all my teammates for pushing me at practice and supporting me at meets, and for all the lasting friendships."

Xander Willis: “To my coaches, your dedication, mentorship, and countless hours of training have shaped me into the player I am today. I could not have achieved this without all of you and I am very grateful for everything you have done to help me reach this next exciting point."

Zach Wood: “I'd also like to thank Coach Tucker, Gibson, and Duffy for supporting me through this process and during my tenure at Norfolk Academy. The lacrosse and life lessons I have learned from them have helped shape my play and character."