Three student-athlete seniors signed National Letters of Intent to play sport at the college level during a ceremony in the Sabina Cain Family Athletic Center on November 11. Director of Athletics Mark Conroy called the ceremony “an opportunity to celebrate an incredible accomplishment by these three athletes.”
Sam Haddad—Swimming—University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Sam, a two-sport standout in swimming and water polo, is a five-time individual NEPSAC champion. He holds the school and NEPSAC DII records in the 200 IM and 100 M breaststroke. He’s “crossing the river,” noted Conroy, heading from Williston to swim for the University of Massachusetts Amherst Minutemen team, the same program his coach, David Koritkoski, swam for. “In college I’m looking to perform well and make good relationships, and hopefully looking to be able to compete at the NCAA championships,” he said.
Bryn Saarela—Ice Hockey—College of the Holy Cross
Three-sport athlete Bryn Saarela, captain of the field hockey team that is about to enter post-season play, attended Williston for four years. In a testament to her athleticism, Conroy noted, she played softball for the first time at Williston, and is now captain of that team. “Pretty amazing,” said Conroy. Bryn will play ice hockey for the Holy Cross Crusaders. She recently competed in the field hockey WNEPSFHA all-star game. “I like the speed, physicality, and competitiveness of hockey,” she said. “I also like how it’s a team sport and every team I’ve been on I would consider my teammates my family.”
Maddy Cardaci—Ice Hockey—Boston University
Maddy Cardaci, captain of the ice hockey team, also plays field hockey, captains the lacrosse team, and was a WNEPSFHA all-star. She will play for the Boston University Terriers. “They have a terrific, terrific program and they’re lucky to get Maddy,” said Conroy. Maddy, who learned how to skate as she learned how to walk, has wielded a stick since she was 5 years old. “What I like about playing hockey is how competitive it is,” she said, “how fast the speed of the game is, how exciting it is to make big plays and score goals with your teammates, all of the friends and family it brings me, long bus rides and road trips, and the pre-game rituals in the locker room.”
The event was live-streamed and can be viewed here. Photos of the signing are here.