Every year, student-athletes here at Rockbridge get the opportunity to commit to colleges to further pursue their academic and athletic careers. So far in this school year, there are eight students who have committed for their sports.
These students are seniors: Harrison Tanner, Lola Mulitalo, Nadia Gaydos, Mackenzie McCormick, Keagan Black, and juniors: Anna Nye, Emma McKnight, and Braelyn Polly.
Tanner is heading to Southern Virginia University (SVU) to play golf for the Knights. He started playing golf in 2019 and has loved the game ever since. He also has been part of the golf team all four years in high school, and is excited to play in college.
“Since junior year with the downfall of a rough season, I just knew that I wasn’t making it past D3. So I just settled in with SVU, knowing their coach, knowing that he would pick me up and help me out with golf,” Tanner said.
Mulitalo committed to Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. to play on their lacrosse team. Mulitalo has played girls lacrosse all four years of high school, leading the team to four state tournament appearances.
“I chose the school because of the area, it’s really close to my family and they have a really good lacrosse program and showed a lot of interest in me,” Mulitalo said.
McCormick is a volleyball player who is committed to play for Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) in Harrisonburg, Va. She is ready and excited to get to play in college.
“When I got the offer to commit to EMU I was super excited. The coach is really personable and the team is really great,” McCormick said.
McCormick is also excited to get to play with Rockbridge county alum Rebekah Allen again who committed to the Royals last year.
“I’m really excited to play with Rebekah [Allen] again because I love her. She’s amazing.” McCormick said.
Gaydos committed to Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Newport News, Va. last year to play lacrosse for the Captains. She explains why she chose CNU.
“I chose Christopher Newport University solely because of academics, because even though I love lacrosse, I know that it’s not going to be something I’m doing long term. But I saw myself there both as a student and as an athlete, which will therefore make my life easier as a student athlete there” Gaydos said.
McKnight is committed to play lacrosse at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, Sc. She fell in love with the game in the third grade when she played with a local rec team. She explains her reasoning behind choosing to play lacrosse at Winthrop.
“I really love the coaches and the environment there. It’s kind of just a feeling you get when you get to the school. It’s a place you know you want to be for the next four years.” McKnight said.
Nye has committed to James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Va. for lacrosse. This is her third year playing for Rockbridge’s girls lacrosse program. Nye’s decision to choose the Dukes was influenced by a number of things such as the closeness to home, the coaching, and the culture of the JMU women’s lacrosse team.
“I am looking forward to playing for the coaches and playing with new friends and current friends that are freshmen this year,” Nye said.
Black is committed to swim for VMI in Lexington, Va. starting next year. He has been a part of the RCHS boys swim team that has made four consecutive appearances at the state tournament. Despite the military culture at VMI, Black chose the Keydets for a number of reasons.
“It was really just the culture. It’s different than really all other schools. The team, the coaches, it just felt right,” Black said.
Polly, a junior here at Rockbridge, plays on the girls lacrosse team. She has just recently committed to Shenandoah University, a school in Winchester, Va. She speaks to her decision on choosing the Hornets over another school.
“I went to Randolph-Macon, and I really liked the girls, I really liked everything. They were super welcoming, but it just didn’t feel right. But when I went to Shenandoah, I felt like all of the girls could probably be my best friends at the end of the day, so that’s what made me choose Shenandoah over Randolph-Macon,” Polly said.
These are the athletes from Rockbridge that have committed to colleges so far, and as time goes on, expect to see more student-athletes join them!
