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National Signing Day for MHS student athletes
Credit: Mamaroneck High School athletics department

National Signing Day for MHS student athletes

MAMARONECK, N.Y. — On Nov. 10, student-athletes from Mamaroneck High School (MHS) who have committed to play a Division I sport in college signed their NCAA National Letter of Intent (NLI). Commonly referred to as “Signing Day,” once this document is signed the recruiting process effectively ends and both parties (athlete and institution) have legally agreed to fulfill their promise to each other to have them join the sports team at their respective schools. This day is truly special for all the athletes and their families. We checked in with all five of the athletes to learn how they choose their respective schools and what role Mamaroneck athletics played in helping them along the way. 

Q: When/how did you know that Portland was the right school for you to play soccer at?

Jessica Bowman (Portland women’s soccer signee): My goal for the recruiting process was to find a school where I could continue playing soccer at a high level which would provide me with a strong education to open up opportunities for the future. The most stand-out aspect that helped me make my decision was the value that Portland places on community and relationships. On my first call with the coaches, they emphasized that the team places huge value on creating strong bonds between the players, with the hope that the girls on the team aren’t only your teammates for four years — instead, the goal is to make friends who will end up being bridesmaids at your wedding, throwing your baby showers and joining your family vacations down the road. The bonds I have with my current teammates are some of the closest and longest friendships I’ve made, and I value them greatly. Having the opportunity to earn a college degree and play DI soccer all while knowing that Portland holds the community in such high regard made the decision to commit to them feel like the right one.

Q: How did MHS athletics help you get to this special day?

Bowman: MHS athletics opened up a whole new side of soccer that I had never experienced. Club soccer has given me countless opportunities which I am grateful for, but the opportunity to represent my school and community was an experience that was unique to varsity. The feeling of support from students, teachers, and coaches of Mamaroneck during our season was always positive and uplifting, and helped solidify my desire to continue playing school sports in college.

Q: When/how did you know that Cornell was the right school for you to play lacrosse at?

Brady Auker (Cornell University men’s lacrosse signee): Almost right away I knew Cornell was the perfect place for me. When I would speak to the coaches, I immediately felt a connection. I loved the culture and what they value as a team. Cornell lacrosse is more than just a great program, it’s a family. I also know a lot of other MHS students at Cornell who are very happy. So after a couple more calls I knew it was the right school for me to play lacrosse at.

Q: How did MHS athletics help you get to this special day?

Auker: I have wrestled, played football and obviously played lacrosse for MHS. The coaches I have had definitely impacted me as a student and as an athlete, and helped me get to where I am today. Coach Barnard and Bahr have taught me so much about lacrosse. Giving it 100% all the time and competing with my teammates in practice has helped a lot. I’m grateful that I have had these experiences.

Q: When/how did you know that Penn was the right school for you to play lacrosse at?

Alex Martin (University of Pennsylvania men’s lacrosse signee): Right when I walked on Penn’s campus, everything felt right. Being in Philadelphia and feeling the presence of the big city while feeling the sense of a tight-knit community with the university hit me right away and drew me in. The Ivy League also has some of the most competitive lacrosse in the country, and it comes with such a prestigious academic experience. The coaching staff at Penn has a fast, fun but focused and competitive style to their coaching and team dynamic that matches my values on the field. Along with the coaches, the camaraderie and brotherhood within the team are unparalleled across the NCAA. Plus, I can go to Geno’s and grab a cheesesteak!

Q: How did MHS athletics help you get to this special day?

Martin: Mamaroneck athletics helped me a ton to get to where I am today. From first in Mr. Romano’s gym class to now— with Coach Barnard and Coach Bahr — a competitive culture has been grown while keeping things fun. The Mamaroneck school district promotes playing multiple sports, doing numerous activities and trying things out; it allows you to do whatever you enjoy at a high level. However, most of all, my coaches have played a massive role in who I am on and off the field. Coach Barnard and Coach Bahr coach their players in life, along with lacrosse. I have grown as a person and a player under what they have taught our team and through my personal connection with them. Through the summer and fall of 2020, I talked to Coach Barnard continuously about how to manage recruiting and different schools reaching out. He voluntarily lent his hand to help me achieve my dream of playing division I lacrosse: placing calls, reaching out to coaches, getting me into individual showcases and more. I would never be in the situation I am today without the help of Coach Barnard, Coach Bahr, and Mamaroneck athletics as a whole.

Q: When/how did you know that Lehigh was the right school for you to play lacrosse at?

Kenna Winters (Lehigh University women’s lacrosse signee): I knew Lehigh was the right school as soon as I stepped foot onto campus. I visited already being excited about the coaching staff, what Lehigh had to offer academically, and the input from local alumni about the institution. Physically being on campus only confirmed how I felt about continuing my athletic and academic career there. 

Q: How did MHS athletics help you get to this special day?

Winters: The program and everyone involved in athletics at the high school helped me develop character and skills by continuously challenging me to be a better version of myself on and off the field. This, I believe, heavily contributed to reaching this milestone.

Q: When/how did you know that Providence was the right school for you to play lacrosse at?

Henry Rayner (Providence College men’s lacrosse signee): Picking the right school for me was not easy, I had to decide whether being at a bigger or smaller school would be more beneficial. After touring Providence and doing research I decided academically it was the perfect fit. Deciding if it was the perfect team fit was easy, after getting to know the team and the coaches it wasn’t even a question, I knew this is where I had to be.

Q: How did MHS athletics help you get to this special day?

Rayner: I have had a great experience at MHS. My teammates and the coaching staff helped me become the player I am today. They taught me the importance of treating people and opponents with respect and kindness. I can’t thank coach Barnard and coach Bahr enough for helping me throughout the process.

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