The Class of 2022 has a total of 28 student-athletes who signed to play a sport at the next level in college. The college process is stressful and difficult for every student, but it can be even more complicated when athletic recruiting is involved. To catch the eye of a college scout, for example, students need to publicize their name and showcase their talent.

“To get our name out there, we create highlight videos or send full games by email and send constant updates,” senior volleyball player Avery Brown said.

For senior volleyball player Rose Porter, she made an impact on her future head coach right away in a slightly embarrassing way. 

“The very first play [Iona’s head coach] saw was me getting hit directly in the middle of my face with the ball and attempting to hold back my tears. Although I did not make the prettiest first impression, it all ended up working out,” she said.

Another step in the recruitment process is to visit the campus and meet coaches face-to-face. 

“I went to visit Birmingham Southern because I heard about their strong tennis program,” senior tennis player Meg Griffin said. “I met the coach and the team on my tour and they were all very nice. She invited me to an overnight hit with the team and I really enjoyed it.” 

Students and coaches stay in constant contact with each other throughout their senior year until it’s finally time to make a decision and sign their National Letter of Intent on the dotted line. As with every student regardless of whether or not they want to play a sport in college, choosing the right school is a personal decision based on a variety of factors for each individual and their family. 

“I chose Iona because of the amazing other girls on the team, the great education the school could offer me, and because of the coaches and their plan to get me to become the best player and person I can be,” Porter said.

Golden Lions will be scattered across the country next year as they continue representing St. Pius X in the best way possible. Below is a complete list of all signees. 

Baseball

Nick Kostopolous: Emmanuel College 

Will Tippett: University of South Carolina

Trevor Zimmerman: Centre College

Basketball

Alexa Kenah: Catholic University 

Eamonn Kenah: University of Chicago

Kate McBride: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Grant Rowe: Sewanee: The University of the South

Cross Country and Track

Sutter Guttery: The Citadel

Football

James Kirkland: Drake University

Golf

Shaun Cook: Kennesaw State University

Carter Loflin: University of Georgia

Neve Thanner: College of Holy Cross

Lacrosse

Jack Kandilakis: Birmingham-Southern College

Ryan Sowell: Birmingham-Southern College

Soccer

Karis Coleman: University of South Carolina Aiken

Emmy Glenn: Georgia State University

Sarah Mason: Georgia College and State University

Brooks O’Donnell: Sewanee: The University of the South

Swimming

Samantha Feild: Birmingham-Southern College

Noah Daniels: Birmingham-Southern College

Tennis

Meg Griffin: Birmingham-Southern College 

Volleyball

Avery Brown: Akron University

Emma Farrell: Wake Forest University

Kate LaRocco: Emory University

Rose Porter: Iona College

Annemarie Rakoski: Wofford College

Lura Underwood: Berry College

Water Polo

Ayden Hess: Mount St. Mary’s University