Six New Canaan High School seniors signed commitment or “likely” letters Wednesday to play Division I sports in college starting next year.
NCHS Athletic Director Jay Egan said the school’s annual ceremony is a way to mark and celebrate an achievement for the student-athletes as well as their families.
“How many hours have you all spent in the car driving your sons and daughters places and holidays being at tournaments?” he told those gathered in the Wagner Room at NCHS for the short ceremony, including the student-athletes, their families, close friends and coaches.
“This is really a culmination of the athletes’ and the families’ efforts,” he said. “It’s a special day.”
We asked the student-athletes why they chose their future schools, and put their responses next to photos where provided.
L-R standing: dad Dave and mom Amy with Ellie Gusitsch on Nov. 9, 2022. Credit: Michael Dinan
Ellie Gusitsch
- Central Connecticut State College
- Lacrosse
“My dad went there. He swam there. I love Connecticut. I think it’s very pretty. I think it’s a great place to spend my college time. The coach is very sweet there. When I was looking around, she reached out. She was very sweet. The team is very fun. When I went there, I had a really good time. I looked around and I really liked the college, so I decided it was a good spot for me.”
L-R standing: brother Andrew, sister Emma, mom Suzy and dad Chris with Stella Nolan on Nov. 9, 2022. Credit: Michael Dinan
Stella Nolan
- University of Michigan
- Lacrosse
“A big thing for me was prioritizing both athletics and academics, and Michigan promised that, to have an important future for me. And also when I visited, I went to a Big Ten football game and that really made the decision kind of easy.”
L-R standing: grandmother Dorcas, mom Cari, and grandfather Ralph with Polly Parsons-Hills on Nov. 9, 2022. Her sister, NCHS junior Lucy Parsons, also was in attendance. Credit: Michael Dinan
Polly Parsons-Hills
- Cornell
- Field Hockey
“I chose Cornell because I grew up going to the campus and there really wasn’t a place I’d rather be. Cornell is certainly my dream school and I know I made the right decision at the end of the day.” She said during the ceremony, “My two grandparents live in town and I feel lucky to have my family’s endless support.”
L-R standing: mom Tammy and dad Gregg with Natalie Penman on Nov. 9, 2022. Credit: Michael Dinan
Natalie Penman
- Bucknell
- Diving
“I love the school and I know a lot of people that go there. So I’ve only heard good things.”
L-R standing: dad Michael and mom Denise with Grant Pittaro on Nov. 9, 2022. Credit: Michael Dinan
Grant Pittaro
- Holy Cross
- Crew
“It has a really nice science program and the team and everything seemed nice. A really cohesive environment and they just got new facilities, too. One of my main concerns when I was first looking at schools was that it would be like one of those underfunded crew programs where you work out in some poorly ventilated warehouse. But I think I’m going to have a great time there for four years.”
L-R standing: dad Ron, sister Amelia and mom Allison with John Totaro on Nov. 9, 2022. Credit: Michael Dinan
John Totaro
- University of Denver
- Lacrosse
“For one, their coach is amazing. He’s been coaching for many years. He’s one of the winningest coaches in NCAA D-1 lacrosse history. That’s one of the main reasons, just having that guy as a mentor. I love the campus. They have a good history of lacrosse there. They won the National Championship in 2015, so good lacrosse, good academics, good business school.”
[Note: This article has been edited with clarifying remarks from one signee.]