Ten Norfolk Academy seniors signed their commitments to play college athletics during a ceremony on November 9, 2022.

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 signees this fall: Henry Allgeier, Miller Carr, Anne Burns Fiveash, Jack Gross, Ashley Huddleston, Nolan O'Boyle, Logan Pausch, Alden Roberts, Rebecca Schill, and Childers Winn.

Academy's ceremony in the Landmark Room highlighted not only the athletic feats of the 10, but their academic successes and growth. Director of Athletics Chad Byler opened the ceremony, noting the persistence each student-athlete showed amid the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.

“Your resilience through this challenging time is what separates you from other high school athletes in the past," Mr. Byler said. “You had to miss seasons. You had challenging times visiting colleges. And the recruiting process has never been so difficult. Yet you have overcome these obstacles and here you are today."

The student-athletes are role models, Mr. Byler added. Their work ethics and dedication over the years have inspired younger athletes.

“Thank you for the example you have set for all the other Bulldogs, on your team, in the Middle School, and in the Lower School as well," he said. 

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," Mr. Monninger said. “There certainly will be obstacles and adversity. Our advice to you is that you rely on the values of work ethic, grit, and mental toughness that you have already demonstrated here at Norfolk Academy."

“We know you will continue to make us proud," Mr. 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. Henry and Rebecca are on Coach Tom Etheridge's sailing team; Jack and Childers play baseball for Coach Tim LaVigne; Ashley and Anne Burns are captains on Coach Mary Werkheiser's field hockey team; Nolan and Logan wrestle for Coach Chris Runzo; Miller plays golf for Coach Dave Cameron; and Alden plays volleyball for Coach Trish Hopkins.

Quotes from the student-athletes:

Henry Allgeier: “I have wanted to attend the Naval Academy since I was 5 years old and having the opportunity to sail for Navy is truly a dream come true."

Miller Carr: “The last 10 years of my athletic career have been any kids' dream. From baseball to basketball to of course golf, I have had many great experiences."

Anne Burns Fiveash: “It has been an honor to represent Norfolk Academy these past few years on the field hockey team. I will deeply miss wearing my orange and blue."

Jack Gross: “I want to thank my family and friends for the time they invested in my dream to play at the next level. Thank you to my brothers for playing backyard baseball with me and pushing me to become the player and person I am today."

Ashley Huddleston: “Norfolk Academy has been my home for the past four years. It has been a safe space to help me grow into the student-athlete I am."

Nolan O'Boyle: “I can't wait to grow and learn but I'll never forget my roots and those who have helped me along the way."

Logan Pausch: “The competition will be rough but after my time here with my fellow students and those who have helped me become who I am, I have no doubt I'll be able to achieve great things."

Alden Roberts: “I am so grateful for each and every teammate, family member, and friend who has impacted my life and helped me get to where I am today."

Rebecca Schill: “I want to thank my family, all of my coaches, teammates, and friends for helping me get to where I am today. They have been a huge part of my growth as a person and as a competitor."

Childers Winn: “I couldn't have done this without mentors and role models in my life, including Coach Bailey, Coach McCarthy, Coach McMahon, Coach Monninger, and Coach Wetmore, all of whom have helped me become the best person I can be."

Congratulations to all these student-athletes!

• Henry Allgeier, Sailing, United States Naval Academy
• Miller Carr, Golf, High Point University
• Anne Burns Fiveash, Field Hockey, University of Richmond
• Jack Gross, Baseball, Sewanee: University of the South
• Ashley Huddleston, Field Hockey, American University
• Nolan O'Boyle, Wrestling, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
• Logan Pausch, Wrestling, Cornell (Iowa) College
• Alden Roberts, Volleyball, New York University
• Rebecca Schill, Sailing, Bowdoin College
• Childers Winn, Baseball, Sewanee: University of the South