The William Floyd Athletic Department recently hosted its annual Signing Day ceremony, celebrating one of the largest groups of college-bound student-athletes in school history. A remarkable 38 seniors were recognized for earning the opportunity to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Family members, friends, coaches, and supporters filled the high school's west gymnasium as Athletic Director Brian Babst honored the student-athletes for their dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments throughout their time as Colonials.
The boys basketball program saw JJ Smith commit to North Country Community College and Sharod Sutton sign with Dutchess Community College. On the girls basketball side, Jana Aly and Vinte’ya Rountree will both continue their careers at Nassau Community College.
Cheerleaders Olivia Horstmann and Elizabeth Marino made commitments to the University at Albany and the University of Oregon, respectively.
Field hockey standouts Kaleigh Benson (SUNY New Paltz), Alexis Caldwell (Molloy University), Juliana Dolezal (Marywood University), and Gianna Trotta (SUNY Cortland) were also recognized.
Football players Matthew Benjamin (LIU Post), Divine Bennett (Hartwick College), Jeru Hall (SUNY Cortland), Joseph Melecio (SUNY Cortland), and Ja’Quan Thomas (SUNY Cortland) will continue competing at the next level.
The boys lacrosse program celebrated commitments from Avery Bent (Western Connecticut University), Matthew Filosa (North Greenville University), PJ Gilhauley (SUNY Cortland), Marquis Johnson (Western Connecticut University), and Brett Pitkanen (Georgian Court University). Girls lacrosse players Emma DiMaio (Stony Brook University), Jayla Pimentel (Pace University), Samantha Seaman (Georgian Court University), and Ava Tiedemann (LIU Post) also signed.
The Rockettes dance program saw Megan Digiacomo and Madison Sicignano both commit to St. John's University.
In boys soccer, Derlis Aguilar, Caeleb Schultz, and Christopher Bojorque all chose St. Joseph's University, while James McGrady signed with Pace University and Christopher Rubio committed to Purchase College. Girls soccer standout Natalie Samlihan will attend SUNY Cortland.
Track and field athletes Divine Bennett (Hartwick College), Allana Morgan (SUNY Cortland), and Angelle Sainteus (University of New Haven) were honored, while girls volleyball player Claira Parente committed to Ramapo College.
The wrestling program rounded out the ceremony with Jaylee Itzep-Escobar (Nassau Community College), Jayvyn Johnson (Wilkes University), Josiah Lors (Johnson & Wales University), Jack Meyer (Johnson & Wales University), and Veronica-Sky Williams (Gannon University).
The ceremony was a proud moment for the entire William Floyd community and a testament to the hard work and commitment of these outstanding student-athletes. As they prepare for the next chapter of their athletic and academic journeys, the Colonials leave behind a legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire future generations.