Nine Indian Hill High School (IHHS) student-athletes took center stage at the IHHS Gym for a celebration Wednesday, March 20 to commit to continue both academic and athletic careers beyond high school during a college signing ceremony. Participating students included seniors Alex Castellini, Lilly Dwyer, Josie Festa, Noah Frazier, Alex Grace, CJ Hayden, Charlie Isphording, John Podojil, and Jack Pollock.
“Elite – that is the best way to describe this outstanding group of student-athletes. Overall, only about seven percent of high school athletes advance to play a collegiate sport. Less than two percent of high school athletes go on to play at the Division 1 level,” said Indian Hill Athletic Director Brian Phelps. “This is a wonderful opportunity to not only celebrate these amazing student-athletes, but also to say thank you to their coaches and their supportive families who helped create the opportunity for this level of outstanding achievement.”
Alex Castellini
Rowing
Columbia University
“I’d like to thank my family, teammates, varsity rowing coach Greg Hull, and novice rowing coach Alex Spaulding for believing in me and helping this dream become a reality. I’d also like to thank Columbia coaches Andrew Hess, Tom Terhaar, and Laurel Korholz for helping me with the recruiting process and for their continued support for my future. Go Lions!”
Lilly Dwyer
Tennis
Davidson College
“I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for helping me achieve this goal. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without them.”
Josie Festa
Diving
Duquesne University
“I would like to thank my coaches, family, and teammates for making this opportunity possible for me. I would also like to give a special thanks to Patti Hickey and Ray Noble for pushing me to do my best and encouraging me to get where I am today.”
Noah Frazier
Football
DePauw University
“I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for helping and guiding me throughout this process.”
Alex Grace
Football
Youngstown State University
“I would like to thank my coaches for all the time they have put into making me a better player and better person off the field. Thank you to my teammates for having my back and helping get me to this point as I wouldn’t be here without you guys. Finally, thank you to my family, for spending countless amounts of evenings driving me to and from practice and games, and going into this recruiting process blindly with me.”
CJ Hayden
Football
Iowa State University
“I would like to thank my coaches for supporting, encouraging, and building into me through my success and trials. My coaches in rec football created a love of the game for me. My high school coaches have made me a better football player, taught me the mental game, and have made me a better man. Thank you to my parents who have put countless hours into me driving to practices, being at every game, traveling for tournaments, and being my biggest supporters and fans. Thank you to my teammates, football is a team sport and without all the teammates I have had throughout my career I wouldn’t be here. Thank you Indian Hill community for the encouragement and fan support. Go Cyclones!”
Charlie Isphording
Soccer
Southern Methodist University
“I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for helping me achieve my goals. A special thanks to my parents and sister for being so supportive. Go Mustangs.”
John Podojil
Track & Field
Miami University
“Special thanks to my family, friends, and all coaches who have helped make this dream a reality.”
Jack Pollock
Tennis
Bowdoin College
“I would like to thank my family, teammates, and coaches for helping me achieve my dream of being a collegiate athlete and supporting me through all the ups and downs to make this a reality.”
Photo caption: Indian Hill High School celebrated nine student-athletes Wednesday, March 20 during a formal athletic signing ceremony, including seniors Alex Castellini, Lilly Dwyer, Josie Festa, Noah Frazier, Alex Grace, CJ Hayden, Charlie Isphording, John Podojil, and Jack Pollock.