Sarah Carson Officially Commits to Radford University

The Office of Athletics recently celebrated Sarah Carson '26, who signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and lacrosse career at Radford University.

Sarah made her commitment with the Highlanders official on Nov. 12 during a ceremony in the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the Beazley Center. Sarah's family, coaches, teammates and friends as well as faculty and staff were in attendance, many of whom chose to wear Radford shirts with "Carson" on the back to show their support.

"We always love these days, and we welcome Sarah and her family," said Director of Athletics and Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Coach T.W. Johnson '92 as he opened the event. "Thank you for being here today. As far as someone who has a passion for the same sport Sarah plays, I certainly have a lot of respect for her and love her toughness."

The celebration continued with remarks from several of Sarah's coaches and mentors, who have worked closely with her throughout her athletic career. Each took turns sharing how Sarah's drive, discipline and character have led to her success and inspired those around her.

"With Sarah, if I said, 'Run through that wall,' she would try to literally run through that wall," said Head of Upper School Kim Aston '88, who coached Sarah in basketball during her eighth grade year. "I always knew athletically that she could do whatever she wanted to do, but it takes a whole lot of dedication. That's why Sarah is where she is."

"Sarah has always had that underdog mentality," said Shawn Foreman, who has worked with Sarah on strength and conditioning at Vault Athletics and Fitness since her freshman year. "She's always determined to get better regardless of her previous accomplishments. She's a multiple all-state athlete and now a Division I commit, and she's still trying to get better. She's still in the gym two or three days a week, bringing her stick and getting shots in after our training session. Radford isn't just getting a special athlete. They're getting a special teammate and an even better person."

"From the very beginning, Sarah stood out," said Varsity Lacrosse Coach Connor Mathews. "Not just because of her skill, but because of her mindset. Even as a middle schooler playing alongside high schoolers, she showed up every day with confidence, grit and the desire to get better. Over the past five years, she's done exactly that. In her lacrosse career at NSA, she's helped lead our team to participate in two TCIS championship games, a VISAA state championship game and three VISAA state semifinal games. Sarah has truly been the spark of our team."

With one more season left as a Saint, Sarah will bring her talent, leadership and work ethic to every game before she begins the next chapter of her lacrosse career at Radford. Congratulations to Sarah, and best of luck to our Varsity Girls' Lacrosse Team this spring!