The College Commitment Ceremony was held on Thursday, April 18 after school. There, five Saint Joe students signed their national letter of intent to play collegiate sports – Ashi Amalnathan, Caleb Boyd, Tommy Eck, Sophia Claypool, and Eliana Lang.
Ashi Amalnathan committed to South Carolina State University to continue her education and her tennis career. Ashi specialized in doubles tennis, as Coach Mountford, who has been with Saint Joe since 2009 coaching girls’ tennis, thought it was her best fit.
Caleb Boyd made his commitment to continue his education and play football at North Park University. Coach Ben Downey talked not only of his hard work and dedication on the field, but his attitude on and off the field. He said that Caleb was one of the kindest men he had ever met, continuing to say that anyone who might trash talk him on the field would be surprised to be met with his warmth.
Tommy Eck also made his commitment to North Park University to continue his educational career along with playing football as well as baseball. Coach Downey stated that Tommy is a very versatile player who can play in many different positions without any reluctance. Outside of his performance on the field, he has a great mindset as a leader and looks to build family amongst his team. Coach Smolinski spoke on Eck’s “mastery on the mound” as a pitcher and his “poise under pressure.” He stated that he was impressed by his show of leadership and that this made younger players look up to him and follow his example. Tommy’s dedication extends from just the football field and baseball diamond to the classroom. He puts in his all for whatever task he is given and this is what makes him such a coachable athlete.
Sophia Claypool signed her national letter of intent to continue her education and cheerleading career at Davenport University, who have just recently picked up their eighth and ninth national titles in all girls and coed cheer at the NCA DII level. Coach DeFilippi, who is also an assistant cheer coach at Notre Dame, described her as her “right hand,” stating that her leadership had been extremely helpful. DeFilippi went on to say “I see myself in her a lot” and admires her competitiveness and dedication to the sport. Sophia’s club coach also spoke on her success as a cheerleader, saying that her humor and ability to lift others up when they’re down contributes greatly to team culture and boosts morale.
Eliana Lang made her commitment to Goshen College to continue her education and soccer career. Coach DePauw referenced the saying “don’t just count your blessings, be a blessing that other people can count on” to help describe Eliana and the impact she has made on the girls’ soccer program in the two years she has been at Saint Joe. DePauw described her fierce competitive spirit and her ability to embrace the culture as well as contribute to it. Athletic Director Stephen Anthony spoke on Lang transferring in her junior year and stated that she is an example of why transfers can be a positive thing for high school athletics.
Congratulations to our student athletes and good luck at the next step.
