Student Feature Friday - Nipmuc Student-Athletes Commit on National Signing Day

Across the nation there are approximately 8 million students participating in high school athletics. All of these students have the opportunity to represent their school, learn the value of educational athletics, and bring pride to their school through victories and sportsmanship. Of the millions of students who put on a uniform and compete, only a handful - roughly 5% - have the chance to pursue athletics at the collegiate level.

In this week's Feature Friday post, I'm excited to highlight the accomplishments of seven of Nipmuc's student-athletes whose athletic ability and accomplishments have led to the opportunity to be part of the small percentage who will continue to the athletic participation at the college level. Congratulations to Kevin Hack, Grant Jorgensen, Kiley Larocque, Ryan Nordqvist, Kayla Peabody, Thomas Sperino, and Amanda St. Germain.

Kevin Hack – Assumption Track and Field
Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance to continue your career as a scholar athlete at the next level?
A:  When I look back to my freshman year, I can really pinpoint where it all started for me as a student-athlete. At the time I had one brother already in college and my other brother graduating high school.  I understood the costly burden of paying for college, which as we all know isn't a pretty number. So I made it my goal to excel in a sport that I could take to the next level. My hope was to achieve an athletic scholarship. This led me to my passion of track and field where I found myself continuing to excel in the sport, opening more opportunities each year. To me nothing is more rewarding then knowing I've achieved my long-term dream and I have a chance to be among the few lucky athletes to play at the next level. I can't wait to represent Nipmuc High School at the college level and enjoy four more years of collegiate athletics.

Front row left to right: Grant Jorgenson, Thomas Sperino, Kiley Larocque, Amanda St Germain,
Ryan Nordquist, Kevin Hack, and Kayla Peabody
Back row left to right: Coach Buckley, Coach DellaRovere, Coach Vidal, Coach Auger, and Coach Calabro

Grant Jorgenson – Norwich University Football

Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance to continue your career as a scholar athlete at the next level?
A:  Football has been a huge part of my life. Although winning means so much to me, I'm in love with the game of football itself and that is with winning or losing. I feel extremely blessed to be given an opportunity to play the sport I'm in love with the next 4 years of my life. The season can't come soon enough and again, this is a huge honor to me that I will not take for granted.

Kiley Larocque - St. Anselm’s College Soccer

Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance to continue your career as a scholar athlete at the next level?
A:  Sports have always been a part of my life and I've always been able to balance academics while still succeeding in soccer. As a little girl I set a goal for myself that I would continue to play sports, even when I reached the college level. I've never been one to give up on my dreams so to have the chance to continue my career as a student-athlete is an amazing opportunity. It shows that the hard work I put in paid off and that I will continue to be able to make my parents and the people who support me proud - in the classroom and on the field.

Ryan Nordquist – Gordon College Baseball

Q: What are you most excited about as you continue your career as a student athlete at the next level?
A:  I am the most excited about just playing the game I love at the next level. It's very humbling to be able to play at the next level. Another part of the experience I'm excited for is to be able to be on the same team as my brother. We have never been part of the same baseball team and I'm very excited to experience how fun it will be. My father also played baseball at Gordon so it will be great to continue his legacy.
 
Kayla Peabody - Assumption College Soccer
Q: What is your best memory from being a student athlete at Nipmuc?
A:  My best memory for being a student athlete at Nipmuc was being able to meet all the girls I played with. We all formed friendships throughout the season that I will never forget.  Without the bond of the girls it would have been harder for the girls’ softball team to be CMass champs.

Thomas Sperino - Franklin Pierce University Baseball

Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance to continue your career as a scholar athlete at the next level?
A: It means a lot. It has been something I have dreamed about since I was a little kid. It is also such an honor knowing it is something I have earned, and it is a privilege not everyone has. Playing for Nipmuc and my hometown has always meant a lot to me and being able to represent both at a high level next year is truly fulfilling.

Amanda St Germain - WPI Soccer

Q: What part of your experience as a student athlete at Nipmuc best prepared you for the next step you are about to take?
A:  There were many experiences as a student-athlete at Nipmuc that prepared me for becoming a collegiate athlete at WPI. The experience that prepared me best has to be starting on the varsity team as a freshman. Especially being a goalkeeper, I had to learn to be a leader even though I was one of the youngest players on the field. This experience allowed me to further my skills as I was playing with girls that were four years older than me. Furthermore, just last year, as a junior, I helped my team to a State Championship victory, which was actually played at WPI. The field that once held my biggest accomplishment as a Nipmuc student-athlete will now be my home as a WPI student-athlete.