Athletics
Teams and Schedules

Five CCES Student-Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

Below is the prepared speech given on November 8th, 2017 by Molly Miller, CCES Athletic Director.

On behalf of the Athletic Department, we would like thank all of you who have come out today to support the students before you as they make an exciting and important decision regarding their futures as student-athletes.  Today is a special day that recognizes not only the achievement of academic and athletic success, but serves as a celebration of the time spent devoted to their sport.

Thank you to Mrs. Schulz, Mrs. Waters, and Mr. Sides.  The College Counseling team is instrumental in the preparation, search, and recruitment process.  Our Counseling team does a tremendous job helping guide our students to find the best fit for them both academically and athletically. Their knowledge and partnership in this process is invaluable.

Dr. Kupersmith, Mr. Lutkus, Mr. Clarke, and Mrs. Beckrich, we thank you for your continued support of the athletic department and for recognizing the important role of athletics in the educational process for our students.

To our athletes that sit before me today.  It is an honor to recognize you on this day.  Before we begin with your official signing we would be remisced to not thank those that helped get you to this point today.  

First of all your families.  Take a minute and catch the eye of your family here today.  They’ve supported you along the way. They’ve made sacrifices in an effort to help you achieve your goals.  They’ve celebrated with your successes and worried through your struggles.  They’ve driven you to practices, games, tournaments, and in some cases, have flown you all over the world for you to chase your dreams.  

Another thank you goes out to your teachers.  Our Christ Church teachers go out of their way to accommodate our students yet hold you to the highest of standards.  At Christ Church, you are a student first, athlete is a bonus.  Whether you have left school early for a game or missed school for a tournament, our teachers spend their time getting you back up to speed with the rest of the class, holding you accountable for missed work, and encouraging you along the way in the classroom and cheering for you at your games.

A thank you to your teammates.  We do not win state titles by the efforts of one, we do not earn recognitions if we do not have success as a team.  This is obvious in our team sports but just as important in sports that are more focused on individual play. Your teammates have pushed you to be better leaders.  They’ve been your friends and your family throughout yours seasons. Your teammates play an important role in you sitting here today.

And a final thank you to your coaches.  They’ve challenged you, shaped you as leaders, supported you through ups and down, and have been your biggest fans.  Many were integral people in getting you to this signing period.  They’ve sent emails, videos, and spoken highly of you as individuals.  They’ve given their word that your future schools are getting the best.

At this time, we will recognize each student-athlete prior to them signing their Letter of Intent for their individual school.

Maxine Blech is described by her teachers as a phenomenal student, engaging, and as someone with a winning personality. One who is naturally curious and sees obstacles as opportunities.  Coach Elliott notes that Maxine is not only a talented runner, but one of the most dedicated student-athletes that he has coached.  While Maxine set a personal record this year and was also named All-Region and All-State, Coach Elliott is most proud of her development as a leader and one that celebrates the successes of others.  We are pleased to announce that Maxine will continue her cross country and track career at Lafayette College.  Maxine, you may sign.

Lawren Cook is described by a teacher as hardworking and determined, She has a positive attitude as is a real asset to the the class.  Coach Vicks states that coaching Lawren the past 4 years has been a privilege.  She has watched Lawren develop into a leader on and off the court.  She notes her infectious smile and laugh as well as her grit and determination. We are pleased to announce that Lawren will continue her basketball career at Wofford College.  Lawren, you may sign.

Jordan Haywood is described by one of her teachers - direct quote: Jordan lights up a room with a smile and a kind of enigmatic personality that brightens an entire class just by her being present. Her efforts on the track are mirrored in the classroom. Always good for a quick laugh and gentle teasing, Jordan is one of those students you know you'll miss when they walk out of your classroom for the last time.  Coach Durham notes that Jordan is the hardest working, most determined track athletes he has ever had the privilege of coaching.  Her work ethic both on and off the track and in the classroom is second to none.  We are pleased to announce that Jordan is signing to run track at Elon University.  Jordan, you may sign.

Noah Matricciani is describe by his teachers as confident, self-motivated, intellectually curious, and responsible.  One that has never met a stranger and is a privilege to teach.  Many of us are not aware of Noah’s success because we do not have a Fencing team here at CCES.  Noah began fencing at the age of 9.  He trains out of Queen City Fencing in Charlotte and is a member of the British National Team.  As the close of last season, Noah was ranked fourteenth in the World and the #1 U17 fencer in Great Britain.  He completes in at least 8 tournaments per year which take him all over the world for competition.  We are pleased to announce that Noah will continue his fencing career at Stanford University.  Noah, you may sign.

Harry Reynolds is described as an engaging student and one that is driven to do well.  These traits certainly carry over into his golf performance and training.  Harry, a contributor to the golf team since joining the team in 7th grade.  He has helped his team earn the state championship each year he’s been on the team and helped rally the team to come from an 11 stroke deficit to win the title last year.  Coach Rooke describes Harry as hard working, talented, and a very creative golfer.  Harry will continue his golf career at Indiana University.  Harry, you may sign.

Congratulations to all of you.  We are proud of your success in the classroom and as an athlete at Christ Church.  Enjoy this moment, finish the year strong, and remember that even though next year you will either be a Leopard, a Terrier, a Phoenix, a Cardinal, or a Hoosier you will always be a Cavalier.  

Click here for more photos from our early athletic signing day.
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    • Maxine Blech and family, cross country and track at Lafayette College

    • Lawren Cook and family, basketball at Wofford University

    • Jordan Haywood and family, track at Elon University

    • Noah Matricciani and family, fencing at Stanford University

    • Harry Reynolds, golf at Indiana University

Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.