Smithtown Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

On National Letter of Intent Day, 19 student-athletes from the Smithtown CSD accepted athletic scholarships and signed commitments to take their talents to the playing fields and courts of their respective chosen colleges.

Patrick Smith, Smithtown CSD coordinator of physical education, health, athletics and nurses, conducted signing ceremonies at both Smithtown High Schools East and West, where each student-athlete was congratulated before their families and their coaches. Smith emphasized three influencing factors behind the success of these young men and women: community, family and district support.

“It’s a prestigious honor,” Smith said. “Most school districts have two to three student-athletes who receive this type of commitment. As a district, we have 19. In addition to their athletic prowess, they have demonstrated a high standard of academic achievement.”

By signing a National Letter of Intent, a prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the designated college or university for a minimum of one academic year. Pursuant to the terms of the National Letter of Intent program, participating institutions agree to provide athletics financial aid to the student-athlete, provided he/she is admitted to the institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules. Although Ivy League schools do not award athletic scholarships, HSE senior lacrosse star John Daniggelis committed to play at Yale University, despite offers from other accredited schools.

Photos courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District: Pictured (from left): Back row: Robert Retnauer (soccer – Mercy College); Gabrielle Albano (soccer –Sienna College); Blakely Murphy (volleyball – Adelphi University); Annie Collins (lacrosse – University of Florida); Samantha Delaney (basketball – Saint Michael’s College); Matthew De Vito (swimming – Binghamton University). Front row: John Daniggelis (lacrosse – Yale University); James Sarrocco (lacrosse – Marist College); Kelly Horan (soccer –Winthrop University); Patrick Lagravinese (baseball – University at Albany); and Ashley Stoessel (lacrosse – Saint Francis University).

Photos courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District: Pictured (from left): Jacqueline Dominger (swimming – Fordham University); Kela Gelling (lacrosse – Mercy College); Alexa Sheridan (soccer – University of Tampa); Robert Montagnino (golf – University of Tampa); Garrett Brunsvold (lacrosse – University of Detroit Mercy); Maura Badia (lacrosse – Pace University); Kaitlin Unser (lacrosse – Quinnipiac University); and Madison Stapleton (lacrosse – Quinnipiac University).