Most athletes that aspire to play at the collegiate level must undergo the college recruiting process. Colleges and universities look for student-athletes who work hard both on and off the field. When the system works in an athlete’s favor, they’ll verbally commit to the school of his or her dreams. For nine Saint John Vianney High School seniors, those dreams became official on Nov. 9, 2016, National Signing Day.

Abby Anderko, a guard, committed to play Division III Women’s Basketball at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Anderko has played basketball for both her AAU team and for SJV on the varsity and junior varsity level. After four years at the high school level, Anderko said, “I’m excited for new challenges. It’s a great opportunity to play at the college level while balancing high academics.” Anderko’s high school career isn’t over yet though! With the season beginning on the Nov. 21, SJV will be supporting Anderko through her last season, and then send her off to Catholic in the fall.

Riley Kehoe, a guard, signed to play Division II Women’s Basketball at Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY. Like fellow teammate Anderko, Kehoe has played at both the varsity and junior varsity levels. Kehoe decided to commit to play at Dominican because of the fantastic basketball program and the welcoming atmosphere of the college. Kehoe commented, saying, “I’m just really looking forward to being a part of the Dominican family.” Kehoe is one of the four girl’s basketball players to sign; their final season begins Dec. 16, with the season and home opener against Raritan High School.

Courtney Dobrzynski, a guard and small forward, signed to play Division I Women’s Basketball at the University of Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut. Dobrzynski has played for Coach Dawn Karpell for all four years on the varsity team at SJV, and is very excited to continue her basketball career at the collegiate level. When asked about what she is looking forward to, Dobrzynski said, “I'm looking forward to the new style of play that college basketball offers, all of its exciting moments, and being able to train and play with other great players. I think college is going to be very fun and present itself with a lot of great opportunities.” SJV sends her off with the best wishes and will be cheering her on when she takes the court this year.

Kim Evans, a center, signed to play Division I Women’s Basketball at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. Evans is excited to play in the Big East Conference, following in her sister’s footsteps, who played in the same conference at Rutgers. Most of all, Evan’s can’t wait to further her athletic career at Seton Hall. “All of the coaches and players have been extremely welcoming and I can’t wait to play with them and for them next year.” Evans is really happy to be staying in-state because she is looking forward to her family and friends being able to visit her and watch her play. Evans will be joining her fellow teammates for one final season in the black and gold!

Matthew Cerniglia, a pitcher, signed to play III Men’s Baseball at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Cerniglia transferred to SJV in his sophomore year, and he has played baseball for Coach Morgan ever since. Cerniglia is excited to continue his academic and athletic career at Hood College; he is hopeful to “get a good internship right out of college.” Cerniglia was first seen by Coach Beddick of Hood College the summer of his junior year at Diamond Nation, a baseball tournament. Cerniglia has high hopes for the baseball team and is “looking forward to winning the conference in 2018.” Cerniglia has one more season left with Lancer Baseball, but that will not stop fans from cheering him on when he plays at Hood next year.

Bailey Foreman, a field hockey goalie, signed to play Division I Women’s Field Hockey at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Foreman has played for the SJV field hockey program since she was a freshman. With the fall season over, the college experience is the only thing on her mind! “I am super excited to go to college because I love my school, the city, and the sports program. I am also excited to experience living on my own for the first time.” It seems that a lot comes with being a collegiate student-athlete, but Foreman is up for the challenge. “I am looking forward to challenging myself further, both academically and physically.” Good luck Bailey!

Ryan Gilfillan, a midfielder, signed to play Division III Men’s Lacrosse at The Catholic University of America, joining fellow student Abby Anderko in Washington D.C. Gilfillan has been a leader for the SJV lacrosse team and will continue to do so when the season kicks off this spring. When asked why he chose Catholic to continue his lacrosse career, Gilfillan responded, “Catholic gave me the chance to go to the school I want to be at, and be able to play lacrosse there, too. I’m looking forward to playing at the next level and being part of a team all four years.” Gilfillan will have one last season with SJV before he goes off to Washington D.C.

Gianna Mavica, a third baseman, signed to play Division I Women’s Softball at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. For anyone who follows our highly ranked shore conference softball team, it may come as a surprise that Mavica will be playing third base considering she plays right field for SJV. However, Mavica got recruited to play third base due to being recognized on her travel team.  When questioned why she picked Princeton, Mavica responded, “Princeton has been my dream school since I was little. I’m so glad softball gave me an opportunity to get into a school that I otherwise wouldn’t have gotten into.” Mavica is excited to continue her softball career, while also being challenged by an Ivy League education. Mavica will be joining Katie DiFrancesco, who committed in September to run track for Princeton. DiFrancesco will be signing later in the year.

Demi Rivera, a pitcher, signed to play Division II Women’s Softball at Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. She is very excited to see what the next chapter of her life will hold; she is looking forward to meeting new people and creating new memories. Rivera knows softball will play an essential part in her college experience and that she “will enjoy the next four years on and off the softball field, and hopefully reach all the potential goals” she set for herself. Rivera credits her hard working ethic to the softball program at SJV: “If there is one thing you can control, it is your work ethic. Thank you to my coaches that have pushed me day in and day out to meet my fullest potential.” Rivera created many friendships and memories on the field that she says will last a lifetime. But the fun isn’t over yet! Rivera and fellow teammate Mavica will have one last season representing the Lancers until she takes her talents to the next level.

Congratulations to all of our SJV athletes! We wish them and their teams the best of luck in their seasons and college careers!