Congratulations to four Holton seniors for their commitment to play NCAA intercollegiate athletics next year in college. Alexis LeMone '16 will continue her swimming career competing at the Division I level at Davidson College, Eva Gobourne '16 will row Division I at the University of Virginia, Inshira Mohi-ud-din '16 will play Division III field hockey at Kenyon College, and Catie Mulligan '16 will play Division III lacrosse at Denison University.
On Wednesday, LeMone signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) from Davidson University. This letter is a binding agreement between the student-athlete and the institution agreeing that they will compete for their school in exchange for financial aid. The terms of the letter have been agreed upon by the student-athlete and their future coach. LeMone has already given a verbal commitment to these terms and today she makes the agreement official by signing the NLI.
For Alexis, Inshira, Eva, and Catie the recruitment journey started earlier than the normal college process. All four girls knew they wanted to compete at the collegiate level well before this year. These athletes took their training seriously, giving up other sports, sacrificing free time, dedicating long hours to practice, and perfecting their craft. Not only did the girls dedicate themselves to hours of practice, but also to hours of recruiting work. For most of them the process began freshmen year which included emailing and calling coaches and visiting campuses.
Celebrating their commitment is not just about the day but it is a columniation of years of hard work. We are proud of Panthers who have found a place where they can both compete in their sport and continue to get a great education.
Alexis LeMone '16
Alexis will attend Davidson College and swim at the Division I level. According to Alexis, she began her search process many years ago, looking for a school, "that that could provide an environment where I'm comfortable, yet can take risks, where I will succeed, and a place I will love." The balance between an academic environment in which she could thrive, and a strong collegiate program that would allow her to grow as a swimmer. As Alexis puts it, "Basically, Davidson has it all."
Throughout this process Alexis was looking at many different schools, emailing coaches and visiting campuses all while trying to improve her time and balance her academics. She credits her experience at Holton in helping her achieve these goals. "Oddly enough it's not the workouts that I think has prepared me the most, but gaining the skill of time management. The swimming training schedule is really tough with morning and evening practices. Holton has prepared me with being able to manage my school work, prioritize, and plan out my week so I am able to get be in the pool and not miss practice."
Alexis continues to comment that, "Holton provided me with a strong sense of self-confidence, the courage to explore and step out of my comfort zone while challenging me academically. Looking back at my 10 years at Holton, I really appreciate all of the experiences I had with field trips, activities, programs and wide selection of classes that I have taken. I feel like I am well rounded to be able to take on the college classes."
As Alexis goes from being a Panther to a Wildcat she is looking forward to being a part of a team that she believes will be a combination of her club and Holton swim programs, combining the practice and training rigor with the fun, close-knit team environment. It is that environment that Alexis will miss the most about Holton.
Alexis would also like that thank her coach, Mr. Westerberg, for everything he's done for her, these last four years. "I can't even begin to explain how supportive and helpful he's been in helping me succeed as both and swimmer and I student and Holton," comments Alexis.
Eva Gobourne
Eva will attend the University of Virginia and row at the Division I level. Eva had a hard time deciding between her last two schools because they were both similar and provided her with an opportunity to compete with great teams, get an exceptional education and focus on a business/management degree. In the end, Eva felt more at home at UVA and the warm, welcoming team and coaches sealed the deal. Eva credits Holton for helping her refine her coxing skills in addition to her classroom skills. "After nine years at Holton, I believe I'm better prepared for the intense workload that comes with college than most. I am also unafraid to ask questions in the classroom. I know going to a coed university won't keep me from pursuing my interests simply because I'm too embarrassed to speak in front of strangers, especially boys." Eva comments. Eva considers her Holton teammates to be like her family but she is looking forward to finding another family in her new teammates next year. Eva also comments, "I wouldn't have started coxing if I hadn't gone to Holton. I'm incredibly grateful for everything the school has taught me."
Inshira Mohi-ud-din '16
Inshira will attend Kenyon College and play Division III field hockey. Inshira thought Kenyon was the best fit because it was a highly ranked program what would challenge her athletically, push her to perform at her highest level and yet not limit her in any other aspect of college life. Inshira comments, "Holton has given me all the skills I will need in order to get the most out of the next four years." Inshira is particularly excited to work with her new coaches as who Inshira describes as able to, "push their girls to be strong, multi-faceted women and thus has created a team of girls who support each other in all areas of their lives." Inshira is thankful for the support of her Holton field hockey coaches who introduced her to the game and help her fall in love. Without their support and motivation Inshira doesn't believe she would be playing in college. In addition to her coaches, Inshira will miss her Holton teammates, or as she says "honorary older and younger sisters." As Inshira looks to next year, she is most looking forward to taking her game to the next level and playing with a new set of players who will push her beyond her limits.
Catie Mulligan '16
Catie will attend Denison University and play Division III lacrosse. Catie's father attended Denison and she is excited to be a legacy and follow in her father's footsteps. Catie already has experience being a legacy, as her mother was a Holton-Arms graduate, Class of '84. She believes Denison will give her the balance of academics and athletics that Catie was looking for in a college. Catie credits Holton for preparing her on the field, giving her the opportunity to grow as a player and a leader. Catie comments, "I will miss my team and all of the friends that I have made through lacrosse. I have become so close with my team, even though I am the only senior I still enjoy every moment I am with them." As Catie joins a new team next year she is already looking forward to the challenge to push herself harder, gain new skills and become a better lacrosse player. Throughout this process Catie has spent countless hours training and competing, sending emails and visiting schools. She has also learned to, "just have fun and keep pushing yourself because you can always get better than the day before."