Six St. Mary's Ryken Student-Athletes Celebrated During Signing Day Event

 

National Signing Day at St. Mary's Ryken was a meaningful day for six student-athletes who will continue to play their sport in college next year. The following students were recognized and celebrated for their accomplishments in the classroom and on the playing field and court: 

• Mel Combs - Softball - committed to Penn State 
• Madelyn DeSoto - Girls Lacrosse - Limestone College
• Tyler Dooley - Boy's Lacrosse - committed to Wingate University 
• Nick Ransom - Boy's Lacrosse - committed to Salisbury University  
• Aiden Weber - Football - Delaware State University
• Kathryn White - Girls Basketball - committed to The University of Maine 

"The University of Maine is getting a 6’0” forward with sneaky athleticism and great timing on the ball, which has contributed to her being the WCAC leader in blocks for three straight years," said SMR head girls basketball coach Toyja Somerville.  "We are losing an all-around great kid, great student-athlete and a wonderful family.  But when Katie called from Maine and talked about the family atmosphere and simply said “it feels like home”, I smiled.  What more can we want for our student-athletes? It will be a long ride for us for sure, but one well worth taking."

"Melody Coombs is one of the most driven and talented players I have ever coached," said Head SMR Softball Coach Ms. Stephanie Dameron. "Her success as a SMR student-athlete speaks volumes to her character and work ethic. Such attention to detail has been rewarded as she will be continuing her softball career at Penn State next fall. We know that Mel will represent our team and community well as she continues playing softball at the collegiate level. The team is also excited to see the impact that she has made within the SMR Softball program continue in the Big 10 Conference."

"When you are around Nick, you can immediately feel his quiet toughness, confidence and pride in who he is," said Head Boys Lacrosse Coach Jon Lombardo. "He is a naturally gifted goalie, extremely competitive person and a great person. He will fit in and compete in the championship culture Salisbury Lacrosse stands for. I am lucky to spend 1 year with Nick and I love coaching him to be his best everyday." 

SMR head boys lacrosse coach Jon Lombardo said of Tyler's future lacrosse career: "Tyler has what I think the best skillset an aspiring collegiate athlete can have; passion for his craft! He loves the game of lacrosse. With his passion and ability, I believe he has the opportunity to leave Wingate Lacrosse better than he found it. I am lucky to have Tyler in my first year and I love coaching him to be his best everyday"

"Aiden committed to a full scholarship to attend Delaware State University," said head football coach Aaron Brady.   He has blossomed in to a leader on campus and now has a life changing opportunity.  He will be our third Knight at DSU next fall and we are so excited to watch Aiden's academic and football career continue to grow. Aiden brought a positive energy to our team with the way he played the game but more importantly how he carries himself off the field.  He has an infectious smile and personality that made an impression on our entire school community."

"Maddie is a wonderful young lady who is upbeat and outgoing," said head girls lacrosse coach Jeff Worcester. "Her great attitude translates in the classroom and on the field. As the team goalie, Maddie is the field general and is able to direct the team in a very beneficial way. She is a quality goalie! From a player perspective, Maddie is aggressive in and out of the goal, she has quick reflexes and we really rely on her as part of our team. All of these traits will help her as she moves on to Limestone College."