The Williston Northampton Athletics Department hosted its first of three college athletic commitment ceremonies for the 2024-25 academic year on Monday, November 11. Eight Williston seniors or postgraduates were honored during the ceremony. The event was held in the main foyer of the Sabina Cain Family Athletic Center.
Athletic Director Jade Morris led the event, discussing each of the honorees as they were called up to the stage. The student-athletes then took pictures by themselves, with family and coaches, and then with friends in attendance. Photos from the event are up for viewing on our Flickr page.
The eight signees at the event were:
- Danny Argueta Rosales ’25 (Dickinson College, soccer)
- Herrick Stevenson ’25 (Bryant University, swimming)
- Violet Carroll ’25 (College of The Holy Cross, ice hockey)
- Rylan Padelford ’25 (Sacred Heart University, lacrosse)
- Jack Nozzolillo ’25 (Wheaton College, lacrosse)
- Preston Edmead ’25 (Hofstra University, basketball)
- Elle Ash ’25 (St. Anselm College, track and field)
- Jake Smith ’25 (St. Anselm College, baseball)
Below are the remarks made by Morris during the ceremony.
Welcome to our Fall Athletic College Commitment Ceremony!
For those of you who I have not met, my name is Jade Morris and I am the Director of Athletics here at Williston.
Tonight is about celebrating the dedication and hard work of our student-athletes as they take the next step in their athletic journeys. Yes, tonight they’ll be ceremoniously “signing on the dotted line”—a symbolic step on plain white paper! But make no mistake, the accomplishment it represents is extraordinary. This ceremony is our chance to honor each of you and recognize the years of effort, grit, and resilience it took to get here. We’re incredibly proud of you and grateful to everyone who has supported you along the way, from coaches and teammates to friends and, especially, family. Take a look at those folks now, who helped you get to where you are today. Make some good and solid eye contact with them to let them know what they mean to you.
We’ll now recognize each athlete individually. For each of you, please come up after your name is called, you will sign, then take a few special photos—one by yourself, with coaches, one with friends, one with family, to mark this special achievement.
Let’s begin.
Danny Argueta Rosales, Boys Soccer
Danny, a four year student from Guatemala, has been a driving force on the soccer team, leading as the top scorer for the past two seasons. His explosiveness, speed, toughness, and finishing ability have earned him all star titles. His speed has carried over to the track as well. Next year, Danny will take his talents to Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he’ll compete in Division III soccer. Congratulations, Danny!
Herrick Stevenson, Boys Swimming
Herrick, a four year student from Vermont, has left a legacy in our swimming program. He’s been an individual NEPSAC champion four times and has been part of three championship relay teams. With the second-fastest program times in the 50, 100, and 500 freestyle events, Herrick’s dedication to excellence is clear. A two-year captain and multi-sport athlete, Herrick’s next chapter will be as a Division I swimmer at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Congratulations, Herrick!
Violet Carroll, Girls Hockey
Violet, is a four year student from Milton, Massachusetts, is a three-sport athlete and captain, competing in field hockey, ice hockey, and softball. Her energy, passion, and commitment lift her teammates every game. As a recent Western New England NEPSAC All-Star in field hockey, Violet has proven her skill and determination. Next year, she’ll be playing Division I ice hockey at Holy Cross, just down the Mass Pike. Congratulations, Violet!
Rylan Padelford, Boys Lacrosse
Rylan, a first-year student from Dalton, Massachusetts, joins us with an impressive career at Wahconah High School, holding the all-time points record with 367 and leading the state in points as a senior. Rylan has already shown his leadership and skill at Williston, even without a full season under his belt. Next year, Rylan will play Division I lacrosse at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Congratulations, Rylan!
Jack Nozzolillo, Boys Lacrosse
Jack, a two-year student from Westwood, Massachusetts, brings resilience and tenacity to the lacrosse team, taking almost every faceoff last season. His passion for faceoffs and his willingness to compete is impressive. He will be traveling to Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, where he’ll play Division III lacrosse. Congratulations, Jack!
Preston Edmead, Boys Basketball
Preston, a two-year student from Deer Park, New York, made an immediate impact, earning MVP and All-NEPSAC honors last season. Ranked in the top 20 in New England by Prep Hoops, Preston’s competitive drive and dedication make him a true standout. Next year, he will play Division I basketball at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Congratulations, Preston!
Elle Ash, Cross Country
Elle, a four-year student from Kingston, New Hampshire, is known for her relentless dedication and positive mindset. She constantly pushes herself and leads by example, inspiring her teammates. We are thrilled that she’ll continue her running career back in her home state with St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. Congratulations, Elle!
Jake Smith, Baseball
Jake, a four-year student from Hadley, Massachusetts, embodies team spirit. A multi-sport athlete, Jake’s “whatever-it-takes” attitude earned him a spot on the NEPSAC All-Second Team in baseball last season. We’re excited to see him bring that same energy to St. Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he’ll play Division II baseball. Congratulations, Jake!
Thank you to everyone for being here to support these outstanding student-athletes. Your guidance, encouragement, and belief in them have shaped their journeys, and we’re thrilled to see them reach this point.
Let’s celebrate their achievements and wish them the best as they embark on this next chapter.