Eight Seniors Commit to Continuing Athletic Careers at Collegiate Level

The Office of Athletics, along with family, faculty, teammates, coaches and friends, recently celebrated eight seniors who committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level next year.

Cam Bergen will be attending and playing baseball for North Carolina Wesleyan University. Varsity Baseball Coach Joey Seal highlighted Cam's confidence and resilience, which have made a meaningful impact on the NSA community. "Cam has always been an I'll show you, not tell you type of leader," said Coach Seal. "There's no doubt in my mind that North Carolina Wesleyan is not just getting a great baseball player, but a great human being as well."

Ava Giacometti will be attending and playing softball for Regent University. Varsity Softball Coach Brittany Thornburg '08 emphasized how quickly Ava became a part of the NSA community and the major role she's played in the softball program's success. "Ava's new to NSA this year, but from day one, she found her place in our school and on our team," said Coach Thornburg. "To date, she's thrown more innings than any pitcher on our staff. She worked hard, rose to the occasion on a well-established team and made an impact instantly."

Sophia Grant will be attending and playing softball for the University of Lynchburg. Coach Thornburg praised Sophia’s determination and willingness to do whatever the team needed, noting that her drive to succeed has made her an invaluable part of the program. Though naturally talented and capable of excelling in nearly any role, Sophia’s greatest strength has been her relentless work ethic and refusal to settle for less than her best. Over the course of her career, she transitioned from catcher to third base to the outfield whenever the team needed her most, embracing each challenge without hesitation. “What I have learned about Sophia,” said Coach Thornburg, “is she can do anything she sets her mind to.”

Joey McGowan will be attending and playing football for Old Dominion University. Varsity Football Coach Robbie Duncan praised Joey's athleticism and the intensity he brings to the game, while also reflecting on the bond the two now share. "Joey is relentless in his effort, and as a former offensive lineman, I can say that's what you want to see," said Coach Duncan. "He now has the chance to play at the next level, and he's going to be doing it where I helped start the football program, which is a really cool, full-circle moment for me."

Joseph Petry will be attending and playing baseball for Camp Community College. Coach Seal called Joseph a program-changing player, highlighting his leadership and unwavering work ethic. "No matter what challenge he's presented with, he attacks it with an unwavering work ethic that is really hard to replicate," said Coach Seal. "Like Cam, Petry goes out of his way to make sure he's always being the best teammate and the best person, and when you get those type of kids in your program, it's really, really, really hard to replace."

Shane Rogers Johnson will be attending and playing football for Hampden-Sydney College. Coach Duncan shared how Shane was a standout player to him before he even became NSA's head coach. "When I was in the process of applying and interviewing for this job, I had to do a lot of research and know about the school and the players and the team in general," said Coach Duncan. "Very quickly, one of the first things that stood out to me was, who is 52? Shane stood out as a disruptive player, a high-effort kid and just an outright, nonstop competitor. I’m very proud of Shane and am honored to have been part of his journey."

Henry Ross will be attending and playing football for Randolph-Macon College. Coach Duncan emphasized how impressive Henry's accomplishments as a kicker and a punter were and how they led the football program to success. "As an offensive play caller, when you know you have a guy that can kick a field goal after you cross the 50-yard line, it's a big deal," said Coach Duncan. "Not many high school coaches can say they have that kind of kicker or punter. Henry is one of those good-at-everything type of kids. He is just an overall tremendous young man and is extremely talented. They’re getting the total package with Henry."

Jamal Thomas will be attending and competing in track and field for Virginia Wesleyan University. Varsity Track Coach Shelby Hammond discussed how track became transformative for Jamal, and how Jamal became transformative for NSA's track program. "For someone who doesn't like attention and tries his best to stay out of the spotlight, he's definitely had so many accomplishments that have kept him in the spotlight," said Coach Hammond. "This quiet, humble kid that likes to shy away from any attention becomes a different person when he's on the track runway or in a lane running and jumping. He gets the clap going. It hypes him up, and it's amazing to see what he accomplishes."

Congratulations, Cam, Ava, Sophia, Joey, Joseph, Shane, Henry and Jamal! We wish you the best of luck next year! Your NSA family will be cheering you on!