The athletes reflect on their hard work as they commit to their new schools.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferioli’18

Thursday, November 10^th, was a momentous day for 12 IHA student-athletes. The Information Commons transformed into a jam-packed athletic event as the girls participated in the seasonal Senior Signing Day. Teammates and family alike came together to support the IHA athletes.

Here is a list of all the girls that signed, their sport, their future college, and their major:

All smiles- Sonia Sharma’s family gleefully watches as Sonia signs to Rowan with a smile on her face.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferioli’18

Givanna Tabbachino: Cross Country/Track and Field– Lehigh University, Undecided

Kim Caccamo: Swimming – West Point Military Academy, Major unknown but plans to study Arabic and law

Amanda Lauer: Swimming – Bucknell University, Business

Julia Gianotta: Rowing – University of Miami, Physical Therapy

Reagan Bossolina: Lacrosse – Fairfield University, Undecided

Coach Sue Montegarri proudly smiles as her lacrosse player Regan Bossolina signs to Fairfield University.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferioli’18

Diana Devita: Lacrosse – Fairfield University, Psychology

Mia Magarro: Lacrosse – Lafayette College, Undecided

Reese Guevarra: Softball – University of Connecticut, Physiology and Neurobiology

Reagan Jones: Softball – Georgetown University, Business

Kathleen Rattazzi: Softball – University of Southern Maine, Tourism and Hospitality

Sonia Sharma: Softball – Rowan University, Engineering

Olivia Sprofera: Softball – Providence College, Mathematics

IHA Athletic Director Robert Downey captures the crowd with his reflection on the thirteen student-athletes.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferioli’18

The ceremony opened with a speech from Director of Athletics, John Downey. He congratulated the girls on their accomplishments and acknowledged all the time and energy they put into their respective sports. After announcing the athletes, Mr. Downey shared that three are on STUCO, one who is on the executive board, five are members of the National Honor Society including one who is the Vice President, two are in the Science Honor Society, one of whom is the President, three who are members of the St. Brigid Society, and two are on Christian Service Board. Overall, all thirteen athletes have a total of 2310 service hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.51. Together they have 12 league championships, nine county championships, and five state championships. Before starting pictures and individual signings, Mr. Downey ended with telling the athletes “thank you so much for all you’ve done for IHA.”

As the cameras were shuttering away, many hugs, handshakes, and words of congratulations were exchanged. It was truly a celebratory event filled with certifications, balloons, socialization, and school spirit. Head track coach and assistance cross country coach, Matthew Joyce, is “very happy [Giovanna] got it done early because she wanted to focus on championship meets. She is a hard worker and very dedicated. I couldn’t be prouder. She really is a good kid.”

A family affair- Reese Guevarra’s family wears their UConn gear as Reese commits to the school.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ferioli’18

The words of Coach Joyce reflect the views of all the coaches in the room who were proudly sporting their IHA gear, while the honored athletes donned apparel from their new schools. Even family members got in on the spirit and could be seen wearing a shirt or hat from their girl’s college. Everyone was so proud of the students, especially the coaches and parents, but no one knew what a great feat committing to a college was better than the athletes themselves.

Kim Caccamo, swimmer and future West Point student, reflects on her accomplishment: “Having the ability to sign to a Division I school is the greatest feeling for an athlete! Swimming for IHA the past four years has been an amazing opportunity, and I’m so excited to continue to compete for my school when I attend college.”

IHA is extremely grateful for the work these athletes have done and the time they have put in for IHA. The school wishes them the best of luck on the next four years of both their athletic and academic careers!

By Heather Farrell’18, Junior Editor-in-Chief