The mood was jubilant as the Wolves celebrated three student athletes on November 12, National Signing Day—the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for a collegiate sport. “We’re so proud of these seniors,” said Athletic Director Chris McCarthy. “This is an amazing accomplishment.”
The ceremony celebrated Blake O’Callaghan, who has committed to play lacrosse at Princeton University; Valerie Shue, who has committed to play tennis at Texas Tech University; and Sloan Wasserman, who has committed to run cross country and track & field at Boston College.
The athletes’ success is impressive. Beyond being scholar-athletes, Blake is a two-time team captain and All Section Athlete, and Sloan is three-time Section 1 champion, 3rd place finisher at States, and team captain. Valerie, who trains at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, has a career-high national ranking of No. 8 and has won three USTA 18U Level 2 tournaments over the last year
The students cited coaches, fellow teammates, and parents as factors in their success.
“I remember being in 8th grade and finding out that I made the varsity lacrosse team,” said Blake. “I was so excited, because I got to play with my brother Finn, who was a senior.”
He also spent time with someone he calls one of his mentors—Andrew Minard, who was the senior goalie that year. “I love the sport of lacrosse,” said Blake. “The people around me make me what to work really hard.’
“My coach Dey Dey is one of the factors in my success,” said Sloan. “I would not be here without him. The way he deals with us after each race … his training—the fact that he is a competitive runner.”
She also notes the inspiration her mom has been. “She was a D1 swimmer,” said Sloan. “I get it from her. I love to work hard.”
[NOTE: Valerie Shue was not availlable for the signing ceremony.]