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, with parents Terri and Michael, on early Letter of Intent Signing Day, in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School on Nov. 16, 2015. Credit: Michael Dinan
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 with parents Kim and Jack on early Letter of Intent Signing Day, in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School on Nov. 16, 2015. Credit: Michael Dinan
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, with parents Beth and Patrick on early Letter of Intent Signing Day, in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School on Nov. 16, 2015. Credit: Michael Dinan
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, with his dad with his dad (also David) on early Letter of Intent Signing Day, in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School on Nov. 16, 2015. Credit: Michael Dinan
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 with parents Monica and Frank on early Letter of Intent Signing Day, in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School on Nov. 16, 2015. Credit: Michael Dinan
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, with little brothers Teddy and Tristan, and parents Kate and Chris on early Letter of Intent Signing Day, in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School on Nov. 16, 2015. Credit: Michael Dinan
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, with parents Claire and Jay on early Letter of Intent Signing Day, in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School on Nov. 16, 2015. Credit: Michael Dinan
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, with parents Claire and Dick on early Letter of Intent Signing Day, in the auxiliary gym at New Canaan High School on Nov. 16, 2015. Credit: Michael Dinan
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.”