New London Schools Spotlight 3 Outstanding Student-Athletes

NEW LONDON, CT — New London Public Schools are honoring three outstanding student-athletes.

The following student-athlete profiles were published in the district's "What's Next with NLPS" February 2025 edition:

Alex Churis

Alex is our 21st century Renaissance Man! He is vice president of the 2025 Senior Class. He is a three-year member of the varsity fencing team. Four-year varsity award winner in boys soccer. This spring he will be entering his fourth year on the boys tennis team. He has captained all three teams. He currently is ranked second in his class with weighted grade point average of 4.8158. Astonishingly, he has more than doubled the community service requirement for graduation. He has taken three Advanced Placement and five college courses. Says head fencing coach Chris Baker, “Alex is mature, extremely coachable, and displays great sportsmanship. As a leader, he sets such a positive tone for the entire team.” Alex is a great example of the benefits of taking advantage of all that New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus has to offer. His influence extends to variety of groups throughout our school community. Alex Churis has certainly left an indelible mark as a New London Whaler.

DaShaun Phillips

Boys' basketball player DaShaun Phillips. “Boo Boo” scored his 1000th career point on January 8, 2025. He also led the team to two wins this past weekend in the Hoop Hall Invitational in Springfield, MA. “Boo Boo” currently has a 3.24 grade point average heading into exams. This is a young man that has overcome adversity in his personal life to persevere and thrive. Scoring 1000 points in a high school basketball career is an extraordinary accomplishment. However, it fails in comparison to the personal achievements of this Whaler.

Rojuana Henry

“Ro” is a three-time varsity letterwinner in girls' soccer and has also played girls lacrosse. Starting her sophomore season, she has served the girls basketball program as its team manager. This selfless student-athlete is invaluable to Coach Millsaps’ program. “Ro” attends every practice and game whether it is home or away. Her duties include collecting, washing, drying, and dispersing practice and game uniforms. “Ro” also films the teams’ games and organizes practice and game equipment. She currently has a 2.95 grade point average. Coach Millsaps says, “Rojuana is so steady and reliable, Anything I ask her to do, she does so in a respectful, professional and timely manner. No excuses. I hope people realize all she means to this program.” In our athletic programs, players come and go. However, we will be extremely fortunate to have a person of her character as part of the Whaler family like Rojuana Henry ever again.