Four CCES Student-Athletes Sign Their Letters of Intent

Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the successes of four senior student-athletes today, November 8, during a signing ceremony. Family, teammates, coaches, and school officials gathered in Rooke Theater to watch Alexandria Bennon, Karinne Everly, William Jennings, and Jessica Mikesell sign their letters of intent to play a collegiate sport. Alex Bennon will be playing basketball at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, Karinne Everly will be swimming at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts, William Jennings will be playing golf at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Jessica Mikesell will be playing lacrosse at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. 

 

Director of Athletics, Molly Miller, began her remarks by thanking family, coaches, administration, teachers, friends, and teammates, acknowledging all the support they have provided and their roles in shaping each of these seniors into the students, athletes, and people they are today. Miller expanded on each of the four seniors, sharing thoughts and reflections from their teachers and coaches.

 

Alex Bennon is described by her teachers as dedicated, humble, and caring. She is mature and exhibits a focused mindset in the classroom. They share that, “once Alex sets her mind to something, there is no stopping her.” 

Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach, Jordan Filiatreau, describes Alex as a “special talent,” noting that it is obvious through her play that “basketball is not a hobby, but a passion.” He describes her style of play on the court as selfless, always willing to make the extra pass and get her teammates involved. She takes accountability for mistakes and never puts blame on others. Filitatreau says, “Those are traits of a great leader. With Alex’s hard work and dedication, she can reach heights that are rarely met.”

 

Teachers describe Karinne Everly as positive and hardworking, always demonstrating a curiosity towards learning. They note that Karinne’s schedule is “demanding,” but she is able to successfully balance her school work and extensive training for swim. 

 

Varsity Swim Head Coach, Matt Jacobssen, describes Karinne as “an intense competitor and a student of the sport,” as she is able to master the technique and execution necessary to compete at the highest level in her races. Jacobssen says, “It is impossible to overstate Karinne’s impact on the Cavalier swimming program.” He describes the growth he’s witnessed as she developed from the “plucky seventh grader” to graduating as “one of the most decorated swimmers in program history.” 

 

William Jennings is described by his teachers as “passionate and respectful.” He is driven and motivated, as demonstrated by how he is able to excel both with his classroom responsibilities and his busy competitive golf schedule.

 

William has been a member of the Boys Varsity Golf team since 7th grade and has won 4 state championships during that time, finishing as the individual medalist his freshman year. William is currently ranked as #4 golfer in the nation for the Class of 2024. Former Head Coach, Kristen Rooke, describes William as “a creative player who works tirelessly on all aspects of his game.” She says, “He has had an amazing junior golf career and I look forward to watching his journey at Alabama.” 

 

Teachers describe Jessica Mikesell as kind, genuine, exuding sincerity, and “always willing to lend a helping hand to others.” They share, “Jessica is a leader who demonstrates a profound sense of commitment to all the activities she engages in.” 

 

Miller, the Varsity Girls Lacrosse Head Coach, calls it a “distinct pleasure” to coach Jessica at CCES. She describes Jessica as “coachable, driven, competitive, and a source of encouragement to her teammates.” She notes Jessica’s commitment to improving, both as a player and as a leader. Miller says, “Jessica is one of those athletes who just continues to get better every time she steps on the field. We are thrilled to see her take this next step in her athletic career.” 

 

Congratulations to Alex, Karinne, William, and Jessica for all of their accomplishments at Christ Church as well as those to come in these next chapters of their athletic journeys! While they will soon be competing for different teams, they will always be Cavaliers to us. Go Cavs!

 

For more photos from the ceremony, please click here.