Solebury School Student-Athlete Signs With Villanova Wildcats

NEW HOPE, PA — Solebury School student-athlete Kate Shipley (Class of 2024) committed to Villanova University during a National Signing Day ceremony at Solebury School on Nov. 8.

Parents and coaches surrounded Kate as she signed her letter of intent to join the Women’s Rowing program at Villanova in the fall of 2024.

Solebury School offers independent after-school activity credit hours for student-athletes to participate in sports outside of its available programs. Kate has been rowing for five years and is
currently the coxswain for Swan Creek Rowing Club in Lambertville, New Jersey.

“I’ve been working for this for years, and it’s hard to think that I was in such a different place than I am now. To have the opportunity to go to Villanova is incredible because two years ago, I wouldn’t have thought this could have happened,” shared Kate.

Kate’s rowing coach from Swan Creek Rowing Club, Tony Gambescia, spoke about the leadership talents that she will bring to Villanova’s team.

“When Villanova called, there were three things I told the coach about Kate,” said Gambescia. “Kate has great leadership skills, and when she talks, people listen. She’s a great mentor who can use her knowledge to teach younger kids.”

Kate with her parents and Coach Tony Gambescia (center).

He continued, “When you give someone feedback, and they internalize it and make changes immediately, as a coach, whether it’s rowing or any sport, you can’t ask for more.”

Solebury School coach Tommy Harkanson shared his experience coaching Kate in lacrosse.

“It's good to see her competitive side in lacrosse. She contributes to the team in such a way that others see how much she wants to win and play well," he said. "Her teammates follow that lead, and I imagine it’s probably the same thing in crew. Being a coxswain, she is the leader of the group, so I’m sure that’s a perfect role for her, and I’m sure she’s going to do great at Villanova.”

Kate said she is looking forward to joining Villanova where she wants to major in psychology with a minor in business.

Kate Shipley signing her commitment to the Villanova Wildcats.