On Tuesday, May 25, six Averill Park CSD student-athletes signed their National Letters of Intent to compete at the collegiate level.
Hannah Horrocks will be competing in Cheerleading at the University at Albany.
“Hannah has brought so many attributes to our program and has one of the best attitudes I have ever seen in a student-athlete,” head coach Penny Spence said. “Hannah always puts her teammates first. She has excellent communication and positive encouragement at every practice. We want to thank Hannah for all of her hard work that she has put into our program. It has been an absolute pleasure coaching her in her high school cheer career.”
Hannah has been on the varsity competitive cheerleading team for four years. She has been a part of two Section 2 championship teams that both placed sixth at the NYSPHSAA Championships.
“I started doing cheer when I was seven years old and began high school cheer at the varsity level as a freshman,” Hannah said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue my cheerleading and academic career at the University at Albany. It has always been a dream of mine to continue my sport after high school and I knew that the University at Albany would be a perfect fit for me. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, and I wouldn’t be able to do this without my family, friends, and coaches who have supported and helped me throughout the process.”
Anna Jankovic committed to D’Youville College to play basketball.
“Anna’s impact on our program has been immeasurable,” head coach Sean Organ stated. “As a two-year captain, Anna led by example both in the classroom and on the basketball court. She has been the hardest working player in our program. Anna has proven to be one of the elite defenders in the Suburban Council, but also enjoyed her best offensive season as a senior. Her infectious work ethic, positive attitude, and leadership will be missed next season.”
Jankovic has been a member of the girls varsity basketball team for four years and has been a part of three Section 2, Class A championship teams. As a senior, she led the team in scoring, averaging 16 points per game.
“From a very young age, playing basketball in college has been a huge dream of mine,” Anna said. “I began playing basketball in kindergarten and since the beginning it has had a huge impact on me. I have met some amazing people and have created life-long memories. Coach Organ, Coach Keegan, and the rest of the varsity basketball team helped me to become the player that I am, and I am beyond grateful for all of them. A huge thank you to my friends, family, and the Averill Park community for always supporting me. D’Youville College is a great fit for me both academically and athletically and I am very excited to be continuing my basketball career at the collegiate level. Go Saints!”
Vita Spence will be a part of the Cheerleading team at the University at Albany.
“Vita’s contributions to our cheer program over the past five years have been outstanding,” coach Spence said. “Her dedication, commitment, and work ethic are great examples of what our program stands for. Vita is an excellent role model and the respect that she gives to all is admirable. We want to congratulate Vita on all of the success she has earned in this sport. It is a reflection of the years she has put into it.”
Vita has been on the varsity competitive cheerleading team for five years. She has been a part of two Section 2 championships teams that both placed sixth at the NYSPHSAA Championships.
“I started cheerleading when I was five years old and immediately fell in love,” Vita said. “Being able to continue my cheer career in college is something I have waited my whole life to do. I am so excited for my next chapter. I’d like to thank my mom and all of my coaches who have helped me get to where I am today. I can’t wait to spend my next four years at the University at Albany.”
Delaney Sutton also signed to compete in Cheerleading for the University at Albany.
“Delaney has been a fantastic team player for the five years that she has been a part of our program,” Spence said. “Her positive attitude and commitment to the team are characteristics we value in our student-athletes. Delaney is always smiling and brings her fun personality to every practice. We want to thank Delaney for all of her years of hard work that she has given to our program.”
Delaney has been on the varsity competitive cheerleading team for five years. She has been a part of two Section 2 championships teams that both placed sixth at the NYSPHSAA Championships.
“I started on the varsity competitive cheerleading team in 8th grade,” Delaney said. “At that time I fell in love with the sport and knew that I wanted to cheer in college. I am so thankful for my coaches and teammates who have pushed me this far. I want to thank my parents for always supporting me at all times. I am so excited to cheer as a Great Dane this year.”
McKenzie Swinson will be competing at the University at Albany, on its Softball team.
“It has been my pleasure to coach McKenzie at all three levels of softball,” head coach Kevin Earl said. “She is a five-tool player with outstanding speed. She possesses strong leadership traits and an impressive work ethic. She has had a tremendous impact on our program. Her commitment and loyalty have helped guide our team to years of success. As a first-year varsity head coach, all I can say is thank you and I will miss you. Good luck as you follow your Division I dreams to the University at Albany.”
McKenzie has been on the varsity softball team for four years. As a freshman she was part of a team that captured the Section 2, Class A championship and advanced to the NYSPHSAA Final Four.
“Softball came into my life 13 years ago, and to this day I couldn’t be more thankful for anything,
McKenzie said. “I fell in love with the sport from the second that I started and have been in love with it ever since. I set a high goal for myself at a young age, and I am so excited to be fulfilling my dream at the University at Albany. I have put countless hours of hard work into softball, and I am so excited to see it pay off. I would like to thank all of my coaches who have pushed me to strive to be the best player and person that I could be. I wouldn’t be where I am without my family, coaches, and teammates. Go Great Danes!”
Mia Tessitore is heading to Merrimack College to compete in Lacrosse.
“Mia has worked very hard to improve herself throughout her career,” head coach Scott Reynolds said. “Her year-round dedication and work ethic has helped the lacrosse program improve every year. It has been a pleasure to coach Mia for the past five years.”
Mia has been on the varsity lacrosse team and a starter since 8th grade. As a sophomore, she was a member of the team that made it to the Section 2 championship game. Mia has averaged almost 2 points per game in her Averill Park career.
“Since I started playing lacrosse in 4th grade I’ve made amazing friends and memories that will last a lifetime,” Mia said. “I’m grateful for the people in my life that have encouraged me to be persistent and taught me that hard work pays off. I’m proud to have been an Averill Park Warrior and thrilled to become a Merrimack Warrior.”