Congratulations to Ariel Booker '17 and Maya Das '17 for their commitment to compete in Division I athletics next year. Booker and Das have already given verbal commitments to Bucknell University and University of Virginia, respectively. However, by signing their National Letters of Intent (NLI) earlier today, they have now made their agreements official. These letters, agreed upon with each student-athlete and their future coach, are binding agreements. By signing them, Booker and Das each agree to compete in exchange for financial aid. Booker and Das join classmates Olivia Kane '17, Annelise Kotz '17, and Anneliese King '17 as Division I bound athletes.
Ariel Booker – Bucknell University, Crew
After signing up for crew training in Middle School, Ariel Booker was encouraged to continue in Upper School and give coxing a try. Throughout Upper School, Booker made great strides as a coxswain and decided to pursue the opportunity to continue with her sport in college. Booker said she took her time through the process and wanted to make sure she made the right decision. After deciding between Bucknell and Fordham, Bucknell's psychology program won over Booker.
Booker credits Holton to helping her understand how to prioritize her time effectively. "I understand that I can't spend two hours watching a movie when I have three assignments and a test to study especially since I have practice." She also credits her coaches for teaching her the necessary skills she will need as a collegiate rower. "Being an athlete for Coach Acerra allowed me to grow from my mistakes. She's always there when you need her, but in
Maya Das – University of Virginia, Tennis
Maya Das began playing tennis at the age of five. She remembers one of her first lessons was given by Somdev Devvarman, who won two NCAA singles titles for UVA. Throughout her life, UVA continued to play a part in her tennis development. She has been attending the UVA camp since she was nine and has continued to build a relationship with them throughout the years. When Das was ready to make a decisions to play tennis at the Division I level, UVA offered her the right balance between the academic and athletic programs.
Das also credits Holton for teaching her how to manage her time and work ahead. "These are skills that will be especially helpful at UVA where I will need to manage a busy schedule consisting of my tennis, academics, and writing for the school newspaper," commented Das. She will always hold a special place in her heart for Holton tennis. Das explained, "it is one of the few opportunities that I had to play on a team given that tennis is an individual sport. I have competed on behalf of the Mid-Atlantic section in a national tournament which is the only other time I was able to play on a team." In addition to her teammates, Das is thankful to have the opportunity to work with her coaches who have not only supported her throughout this process, but have been instrumental in improving her game and bringing it to the next level.