Four Holton Athletes Commit on Fall Signing Day

Holton-Arms celebrates four student-athletes who committed to continue their athletic careers at Division I schools. Elise A. ’25, will continue her track and field career at Marist College. Ella M. ’25, will compete on the Northeastern University crew team. Foley R. ’25, and Loretta T. ’25, will continue their soccer careers at Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia. 

Elise A. ’25 started running in elementary school explaining, “I [ran in] Girls on the Run in elementary school like most kids, but I started to train [for] a team in 6th grade and took it more seriously when I came to Holton in 7th grade.” She also draws inspiration from her big brother saying, “My brother is also a collegiate runner, and being his little sister, I wanted to be like him and that’s why I started to run.” Elise realized she was capable of going to the next level in the 10th grade saying, “I knew I was capable of pushing myself to go to the next level, so I decided to become more strict with my training and take it a lot more seriously. Being able to do this in college also allowed me to consider a lot more schools that I may not have been able to reach out to if I did not choose to do college track and field.”

Elise is looking forward to training at Marist College saying, “I’m looking forward to training with athletes who care about the sport as much as I do, and seeing how good I can really be.” Elise also thanked her former coach, stating, “I’d like to thank Coach Tameka Jameson. I genuinely would be nowhere near where I am today without her.” 

Ella M. ’25 started competing in crew in the spring of her freshman year. Crew is close to her heart, explaining, “I mainly started rowing because my mom rowed in college and she talked about how much she loved it. I immediately loved crew and I joined my club, TBC Racing, in the fall of my sophomore year. I have competed with TBC for four seasons now.” However, Ella is ready for the next step as a collegiate student-athlete saying, “Crew has helped me manage my work and time. I usually get home from crew around 7 [p.m.], which is pretty late, but it gives me a lot of structure to my afternoons and helps me manage my time. I know I only have a limited amount of time to complete my work, which makes me a lot more productive.”

When asked about continuing her athletic career at Northeastern University, Ella said “I am super excited to be on a team in college and continue rowing. I also can’t wait to meet new rowers from around the country, compete at the collegiate level, and row right on the Charles [River] in Boston.” Ella also gave thanks to her coach saying, “I want to give a lot of thanks to Coach Acerra, who has given me a lot of guidance throughout the years and has led the Holton team so well.”

Foley R. ’25 started playing soccer when she was four years old saying, “I started playing like every other preschooler, but for me it stuck. I love the competitive team environment and always having something to work to get better at.” She reminisced about her favorite Holton athletics memory saying, “My favorite Holton soccer memory was winning ISLs freshman year.” Foley is excited to join the Vanderbilt University team stating, “I am looking forward to the competitive level of play that college provides. I enjoy being pushed and challenged and finding things to improve at. I am also excited for building bonds with all my new teammates and coaches.”

Foley also thanked her parents, teammates, Holton, and future Vanderbilt coaches saying, “I want to express gratitude to my parents for their unwavering support and encouragement. And my teammates for pushing me to be my best every day at practice and for being such amazing friends. Also, thanks to Coach Phil, for guiding me through the recruiting process and always helping me grow both on and off the field. To all my Holton teachers, coaches, and friends, your support has meant the world to me. And finally, to the Vanderbilt coaches, thank you for believing in me, for making this journey so rewarding, and for your warm welcome!”

Loretta T. ’25 also started playing soccer at the age of four explaining, “My dad played soccer at Amherst [College] and always wanted me to play. I started off by playing on a rec team that my dad coached. When I was 8 I joined my first club team. At this time, I was also playing competitive tennis.” Loretta realized competing in college could become a reality in her freshman year of Upper School saying, “When I was 13 I made the decision to quit tennis and focus on soccer. I loved being a part of a team and playing soccer felt more comfortable for me.” When she visited college ID camps she stated, “I loved seeing different campuses and meeting coaches at these camps. I would hear the players on the teams talk and feel inspired to be like them.” 

When asked about her favorite Holton athletics memory, Loretta said “My favorite Holton athletics memory was scoring the game-winning goal against NCS (National Cathedral School) at Blue/White Night this year in front of all my peers and classmates.” Loretta is looking forward to continuing her soccer career at the University of Virginia saying, “I am most looking forward to being a part of a new team and playing with people who are three and four years older than me. It will be a good challenge that will hopefully make me better as a player.” Loretta has been named a High School All-American and will compete in the Twelfth Annual High School All-American Game on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Wando High School in Charleston, SC.

Holton-Arms is proud to recognize the efforts of these four student-athletes as they prepare to continue their athletic careers at the next level. We also want to recognize all the athletes who represent Holton each season, along with their dedicated teammates and outstanding coaches. Go Panthers!