Four student-athletes from Queensbury Union Free School District signed their ceremonial letters of intent Wednesday afternoon to play at NCAA Division I colleges next year.
“These student-athletes have made sacrifices necessary to perform at an elite level,” said Richard Keys, the director of physical education, health and athletics. “They’ve trained, traveled, studied, volunteered and managed their time appropriately in order to maximize their potential as an athlete and have a chance to compete at the next level.”
Louis Allison will join the diving team at Le Moyne College, where he plans to study finance. Louis said Le Moyne offered him the best academic opportunities, and he was impressed with the coaching staff.
“Queensbury helped me prepare for this by pushing everyone here to do the best in the classroom and out on the field and in the pool,” said Louis, who thanked his coaches, family and friends who supported him.
Kaitlyn Barton will play lacrosse at Boston University, where she will study biomedical engineering. She said she is excited to go to school in Boston.
“I chose BU because of the great academic and athletic programs,” Kaitlyn said. “When I went on my visit, I loved the coach, players and atmosphere of the program. I also fell in love with the beautiful campus.”
Her Queensbury teammate Bayley Duffy will play lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she will study sports management.
“Queensbury’s pushed me both academically and athletically to pursue not only Division I lacrosse, but a higher level of education,” Bayley said.
Lucas Schell will wrestle at the University at Buffalo.
“I just love the atmosphere and I feel very comfortable there,” Lucas said, “and the wrestling program is very, very hardworking.”
All four student-athletes thanked their coaches for their support along the way.
Keys thanked the athletes’ parents and grandparents who were gathered in the high school lobby for the signing ceremony.
“You’re the ones who are on the frontline on a day to day basis, dealing with the emotional ups and downs that come along with athletics and travel and expense,” Keys said. “You’re making sacrifices left and right for your child to have this wonderful experience.”
Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon said he has enjoyed watching the student-athletes grow up and work hard to take on leadership roles in their sports. He said he will continue to watch them succeed in their college careers.
“We can’t wait to see where you end up,” Gannon said.