SHS Honors Students Who Commit to College Athletics

On Friday, April 27, 2018, in the Gold Gym at Simsbury High School (SHS), Director of Athletics & Student Activities Jeff Pinney invited 21 student-athletes and their families to the second annual “Spring Signing Day,” in which the students signed letters of intent or commitment, depending on the division level, to play a sport at a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college or university.

The event is unusual in that it honors all athletes who are making the commitment to play sports at the college level, whether it be DI, DII, DIII or even club level sports. Pinney maintains that athletics can help shape future careers, and that this is the legacy of the SHS Athletics Department. Said Pinney, “We are celebrating a milestone. This is a tremendous accomplishment and, as a community, we want to make sure that this level of commitment is recognized and celebrated.”

Each student-athlete signed two letters, one for them to retain as a keepsake, and the other that Pinney pledged to send to their college coach along with a personal note about each student. Hats, customized with the student’s name, the school logo, and the inspirational words, “Next Level,” were donated by the Simsbury Trojans Hall of Fame Committee.

Pinney offered some final words for the 21 student-athletes. “All of you dreamed of playing sports in college. This is your opportunity to grow, learn, and achieve. As wonderful as SHS has been, college is going to be that much better.”

He added, “Make sure you thank your parents when you leave.”

The following SHS student athletes participated in the Spring Signing Ceremony:

• Emily Caramore (SUNY-Rockport, Lacrosse)
• Mary Clark (St. Lawrence University, Field Hockey)
• Samuel DiGiacomo (Temple University, Crew)
• McKenna Finken (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Basketball)
• Christian Gay (St. Bonaventure University, Rugby)
• Ralph Gilliard (Southern Connecticut State University, Football)
• Riley Griffiths (Clarkson University, Basketball)
• Owen Jahne (Catholic University of America, Rugby)
• Jackson King (Furman University, Rugby)
• Trey McCann (Emmanuel College, Lacrosse)
• Grace Neagoy (Ithaca College, Swimming)
• Rafael Nieves (St. Bonaventure University, Rugby)
• Grace Parker (Salve Regina University, Field Hockey)
• Olivia Rovalino (Eastern Connecticut State University, Soccer)
• Jordan Shugdinis (St. Lawrence University, Soccer)
• Steven Sparks (Bates College, Crew)
• Timothy Talbot (Stone Hill College, Football)
• Jackson Tully (Roger Williams University, Swimming)
• Mason Valentino (Messiah University, Baseball)
• Tate Valerio (University of Massachusetts/Boston, Baseball)
• Brandon White (Southern Connecticut State University, Baseball)