‘Now you can exhale’

Top South Side High School athletes signed and submitted letters of intent to their chosen universities on Nov. 14. The letters are binding agreements between the athletes and the universities guaranteeing the students will play for the university’s team in exchange for athletic financial aid.

Athletes from the girls and boys lacrosse teams, girls soccer team and boys golf team gathered in the high school lobby to sign the paperwork with their coaches.

“I told them, ‘Now you can exhale,’” said incoming girls lacrosse coach Rob Devlin. The students too expressed relief that the process was over with.

“It’s awesome,” said golfer Ryan McCarthy, who will be attending High Point University. “It lets you play without a college watching you.”

“It’s reassuring that we’re officially part of the team,” said lacrosse player Alexandra McNicolas who will be playing for the University of Louisville.

“Relieving,” was all teammate Bridget Considine could say now that the process was finished. She will be playing lacrosse for Stony Brook University.

Their coaches listed off the numerous accolades they received. In particular, McCarthy’s coach had high praise for him. “Ryan is one of the best golfers in the history of South Side,” said golf coach Russ Reid. “More importantly, he’s a true gentleman, and golf is a gentleman’s sport.”

Among the other universities the athletes will be attending are Yukon College, Marist University, Georgetown University and Sacred Heart University.

One parent had a friendly warning for the athletes who will be starting anew in the fall. “They don’t know,” said Bridget’s mother, Lorri Considine,“it’s only just starting.”