See Where Simsbury High Athletes Are Going To College To Play

Simsbury Public Schools

SIMSBURY, CT— Signing letters of intent is a common celebratory milestone for student-athletes in high-profile sports like basketball and football, often drawing large media attention.

But a vast, vast majority of collegiate athletes do not see their special days recognized.

Recently at Simsbury High School, however, they were honored as part of a ceremony to celebrate the academic and athletic futures of 25 athletes who will still be playing when they stroll the halls of academia.

On Friday, May 19, in front of the Futures Wall outside of the main gym, SHS student-athletes pursuing their sports in college gathered for the “Next Level Signing Ceremony.”

Donning the colors and logos from their chosen colleges and universities, students signed their commitment letters as their families joined in the celebration.

SHS Director of Athletics & Student Activities Jeff Pinney said group members “are committing to compete at the next level in the sports that they love. The coaches and I couldn't be more proud of this group.”

Pinney gave these student-athletes a letter of commitment that he will forward to coaches from each of the chosen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) colleges and universities.

Pinney said the students' success is a testament to the support received from their families, coaches and school community.

“It truly takes a team to make a team,” said Pinney.

He urged each student to continue to keep the kindness towards others at the forefront and be a good citizen wherever they go. “Look around you,” said Pinney, “this family goes with you.”

The following SHS student-athletes participated in the ceremony:

• Devyn Battistoni (Track and Field, Suffolk University in Boston)

• Ravi Bhamidipati (Rugby, University of Connecticut)

• Elena Bontatibus (D1 - Lacrosse, Rider University)

• Alexander Cash (Lacrosse, SUNY Brockport)

• Madison de Groot (D1 - Crew, University of Alabama)

• Noble Gongon (D1 - Track and Field, University of Connecticut)

• Joseph Guglielmino (Baseball, University of Hartford)

• Faye Kaplinski (Basketball, Rochester Institute of Technology)

• Kayla Logan (D1 - Track, Central Connecticut State University)

• Elijah Love (Rugby, York College of Pennsylvania)

• Kate Martin (Track and Field, Amherst College)

• Mikaela Martinez (Softball, Wentworth Institute of Technology)

• Kellie Matteo (Field Hockey, Springfield College)

• Caroline Matyczyk (D1 - Soccer, Quinnipiac University)

• Eli Mongeau (Ice Hockey, American International College (AIC))

• Grace Myers (D1 - Track and Cross Country, Colgate University)

• Brenna Piller (Volleyball, Goldey-Beacom College)

• Micah Richards (Rugby Club, Endicott College)

• Lauren Sabia (Basketball, Rochester Institute of Technology)

• Rachel Shenkman (Swimming and Diving, Saint Michael College)

• Matthew Smith (Football, Salve Regina University)

• Daniel Sullivan (Football, Grove City College, PA)

• Luke Wang (Lacrosse, Babson College)

• Mikayla Wetjen (Field Hockey, Skidmore College)

• Reece Willison (Soccer and Lacrosse, Williams College)