For a college-bound student athlete, the moment pen hits paper is a memorable one. On Wednesday, June 5th, that moment became reality for nine senior student-athletes. In front of family, friends, community members, and coaches, members of the Class of 2024 formalized their commitments to play at the next level as part of the Class of 2024 Signing Day Ceremony.
The occasion featured cake, remarks from Athletic Director Josh Mazzaferro, and of course, plenty of pictures.
"Signing a letter of intent is more than just committing to play a sport; it is a testament to your resilience and your passion," Mazzaferro said. "It is an acknowledgment of the countless hours you have invested in becoming the best version of yourselves. You have learned to overcome obstacles, to work as a team, and to push beyond your limits. These are lessons that will serve you well beyond the field, the court, or the track."
The occasion represented the tremendous array of opportunities to compete beyond high school. This group of Blue Devil seniors has committed to bringing their talents to college in seven different sports across the NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and the NJCAA. This group joins fellow senior Brooke Musch in committing to play collegiately. Musch signed to play softball for Division I Umass-Amherst in a separate ceremony held earlier this year.
The event's guests of honor are listed below.
Emily Bird
College: York College of Pennsylvania
Sport: Field Hockey
Major: Psychology
Would like to thank: Her parents, Syracuse Field Hockey Club and Camden HS Coaches, as well as Mrs. Stowell-Hollis
Layla Killino
College: Jefferson County Community College
Sport: Softball and Basketball
Major: Psychology
Would like to thank:Coach Labiendo and Coach Wiley for the opportunity to play. She would also like to thank her coaches for helping her get to where she is skill wise and as a person, and lastly would like to thank her parents for always supporting her and pushing her to strive for the very best.
Avery Prievo
College: SUNY Cobleskill
Sport: Softball
Major: Wildlife Management
Would like to thank: She would like to thank her parents for their endless support throughout the years, and all of her coaches for their dedication to making her a better player. She would also like to thank her epic sister for always having her back.
Trey O’Rourke
College: SUNY Morrisville
Sport: Football
Major: Individual Studies
Would like to thank: His mother and Coach Chris Jones
Thomas Hollibaugh
College: SUNY Morrisville
Sport: Soccer
Major: Undecided
Would like to thank: His Mom, Grandma, and Brothers
Devin Plourde
College: Onondaga Community College
Sport: Baseball
Major: Physical Education
Would like to thank: His parents for always pushing him and the sacrifices they've made, as well as all the coaches he's ever had.
Elizabeth Hunley
College: SUNY Oswego
Sport: Track and Field
Major: Human Resource Management
Would like to thank: Coach Trusso, as well as her mom and dad.
Rhyanne Johnson
College: SUNY Oswego
Sport: Field Hockey
Major: Childhood Education
Would like to thank: Mom, grandparents, and her high school field hockey coaches (Coach Schinny, Coach Mic, and Coach Gregory)
Gabrielle Croniser
College: Roberts Wesleyan University
Sport: Field Hockey
Major: Social Work
Would like to thank: Coach McPheron, Coach Sullivan, and her parents.