On Tuesday, Nov. 19, three Averill Park High School seniors signed their National Letters of Intent to compete for Division I universities after graduation.
Student-athletes Jess Haskin and Syd Haskin will both play on the Merrimack College women’s soccer team while Kelsey Wood will compete for the Sacred Heart University women’s basketball team.
Jess has been a starting member of the varsity soccer team at Averill Park since eighth grade. She is a two-time captain and was part of two Section II, Class A championship teams.
“Jess has had a tremendous impact on our program,” AP head coach Nate Luskin said. “She has been a varsity team member for five seasons while acting as an exemplary captain for the past two. Her commitment and loyalty have helped guide our team to success. It has been a pleasure to coach Jess for the past five years.”
Jess is a three-time Suburban Council First Team All-Star and scored five goals as a senior.
“When I started playing soccer at five years old, I immediately fell in love,” Jess said. “Being able to continue to play in college is a dream come true. All of my hard work has finally paid off and I’m so excited for this next chapter. I knew right away that Merrimack would be the perfect fit for me and I’m so grateful to have earned this opportunity. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. I can’t wait for another four years as a Warrior!”
Syd has been a member of the varsity soccer team, and a starter, since eighth grade, as well.
“Syd has been a member of the varsity team for five years and an outstanding captain for the past two,” Luskin said. “She works extremely hard throughout the year to improve both herself and her teammates. Her work ethic and dedication have helped make her an exceptional role model for our younger student-athletes.”
Syd was also part of two Section II, Class A championship teams. Syd is a two-time Suburban Council First Team All-Star and she scored seven goals and had 18 assists as a senior.
“Playing soccer at the Division I level has always been a dream of mine,” Syd said. “I knew that Merrimack College would be the perfect fit for me academically and athletically as soon as I stepped foot on campus. I am forever grateful to, and I know I could never have accomplished this without, my family, friends, teammates, and especially coach Luskin. I am extremely appreciative of this great opportunity and can’t wait to spend the next four years at Merrimack.”
Kelsey has been a member of the varsity basketball team since eighth grade and has been a part of four Section II, Class A championship teams.
“The success Kelsey has earned is evidence of her total commitment and years of hard work,” varsity head coach Sean Organ said. “In addition to being a perennial scoring threat, Kelsey is a dominant rebounder and has registered a multitude of 20 rebound games throughout her career. What cannot be measured statistically is Kelsey’s leadership. Her lead-by-example approach has been constant and infectious. She holds herself accountable and her teammates to a high standard. She offers encouragement, challenges players when she knows they can give better effort, and picks her teammates up when she recognizes that they are down.”
Kelsey has registered 1,069 points throughout her career and is on track to become the leading scorer in Averill Park history.
“I have been playing basketball ever since I can remember,” Kelsey said. “Playing on the varsity basketball team here at Averill Park has been a dream of mine since I was little, and now I’m going to college for the game that I love. All of my time and hard work has finally paid off. I wouldn’t be here without all of my coaches, friends, and family pushing me to be my best. I’ve had endless amounts of love and support. I would just like to thank everyone who never stopped believing in me and I hope to make everyone proud throughout my college career. I can’t wait to spend my next four years at Sacred Heart. Go Pioneers!”
