Eight NCHS Seniors Sign Early Letters of Intent To Play Sports in College

Five lacrosse players and three swimmers rounded out a group of New Canaan High School student-athletes who on Monday signed early Letters of Intent to play sports in college starting next year.

What follows are photos from a signing ceremony overseen by NCHS Athletic Director Jay Egan (also a parent of a signee on this day), held at in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School. We also asked each student about what went into their choice of college. (Harvard-bound senior David Strupp’s letter could be called a “likely letter” in that the university, though it offers no athletics scholarships per se, can issue an agreement signifying that it’s committed to admitting a recruited athlete.)

Samantha Stewart, U.S. Military Academy at West Point lacrosse, with parents Terri and Michael: “When I was little, I always heard stories from my family about West Point. I have a really big military background in my family. So I was always interested in going to the service academies. I have always wanted to do something bigger than myself, and I believe I can achieve that at West Point. The academics are amazing and the sports opportunities are also really great.”

Kyle Smith, University of Denver lacrosse, with parents Kim and Jack: (grandmother Louella Smith attended the ceremony, too): “It’s small. Coach [Bill] Tierney is probably the best coach in college lacrosse that there ever was. Their academics are untouchable, really, for me. So it was a good fit.”

Katie Colwell, Oakland University swimming, with parents Beth and Patrick: “They first emailed me and I filled out the recruit questionnaire and then they called me. From that I got really interested because they have a good cinematography program, which is what I want to major in, and they have a really good swim program. It seems really nice and when I went on the recruitment trip for it, I fell in love with it. It’s a pretty campus and the people and coaches are amazing and I’m excited to go.”

David Strupp, Harvard University lacrosse, with his dad David: “In sophomore year, I was looking at a bunch of different schools for lacrosse, and I was looking mostly at Ivy League because I am looking for a great lacrosse school and academic school. I loved the campus, the area and just the general atmosphere. They have a great team.”

Catherine Granito, University of Michigan lacrosse, with parents Monica and Frank, and little brother Gunner: “Ever since I was little, I have bled blue. I thought [Michigan fight song] ‘Hail To The Victors’ was a nursery rhyme growing up. I have loved the school since I was little and it has been a great opportunity ever since they offered me something. The community, everyone comes together. It seems like a really big school but I feel like everyone knows everyone on campus and supports each other. I think the atmosphere is great.”

Clayton Burt, Syracuse University lacrosse, with little brothers Teddy and Tristan, and parents Kate and Chris: “My brother [Harrison Burt] goes there right now. He’s a junior. Both my parents went there as well. My dad played on the team as well. I just think that my style of play and the way they play is going to fit really well. I work really hard and I want to win a national championship.”

Meghan Egan, Boston University swimming, with parents Jay and Claire: “It fits a lot with the Patriot League that I can swim it. It’s a great, competitive league. First time I went I wasn’t in love with it and not in love with city part. But then all of the business opportunities, aong with the swim team, really worked for me when I went on my trip for the second time. And I loved the coach Bill [Smyth] so much and everything ended up clicking in a spot where I initially didn’t think it would.

Libby O’Hare, Bucknell University swimming, with parents Claire and Dick: “I went on a couple of official visits, and when I went to Bucknell it was the perfect fit. The team was awesome and I know a couple of people there already who love it. So it’s the environment and the school is so pretty.”