Ten CCES Student-Athletes Sign Their Letters of Intent

Christ Church Episcopal School celebrated the successes of ten senior student-athletes today, April 17, during a signing ceremony. Family, teammates, coaches, and school officials gathered in Rooke Theater to watch Eleanor Bishop, Whitt Davis, Jack Fagan, Sienna Fox, Jake Good, Ciarán Greer, DJ Harvey, Jack Hinds, Grant Strohmaier, and Grayson Varnadore sign their letters of intent. Eleanor Bishop and Whitt Davis will be swimming at Sewanee, The University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee, Jack Fagan will be playing basketball at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Sienna Fox will be playing soccer at Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina, Jake Good will be playing football at Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden Sydney, Virginia, Ciarán Greer will be running at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, DJ Harvey will be playing basketball at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, Jack Hinds will be running at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, Grant Strohmaier will be playing lacrosse at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and Grayson Varnadore will be playing football at Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina.

 

Director of Athletics, Molly Miller, welcomed family, coaches, administration, teachers, friends, and teammates, and thanked them for their support of these student-athletes. She noted that all ten seniors had different paths to get to this point, but each demonstrated commitment, resiliency, and passion, as well as a love of competition and their sport. Molly went on to expand on each student, sharing thoughts from their teachers and coaches.  

 

Eleanor Bishop is described by her teachers as funny, smart, and genuine. They remark, “She knows herself and readily accepts feedback in her classes.” Matt Jacobssen, Varsity Swim Head Coach, calls Eleanor “one of the most talented swimmers to come through the CCES program.” He says, “Eleanor is a kind and welcoming leader who brings positivity to her teammates. She is a swimmer with a long history of stepping up and delivering fast swims at critical moments.”

 

Teachers describe Whitt Davis as outgoing, open-minded, and empathetic. They note, “He is extremely hard-working in the classroom, displaying resiliency and honesty.” Coach Jacobssen calls Whitt a “talented, versatile, and hard-working swimmer with a team-first mentality.” He says, “Whitt stepped up into leadership roles as an upperclassmen and he will thrive in a collegiate swimming environment. The Sewanee Tigers are getting a great one in Whitt Davis.”

 

Jack Fagan is described by his teachers as independent, collaborative, and easy-going. They share, “He shows a desire to perform well and is engaged in class discussions.” John Butler, Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach, calls Jack “a gym rat with a deep understanding of the game of basketball.” He says, “Jack was a part of our back-to-back state championship teams. His leadership and willingness to sacrifice for the team was on full display during this run.”

 

Teachers describe Sienna Fox as hard-working and diligent, noting “she is a student-athlete who leads those around her by example.” Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach, Ashley Seeley notes that Sienna is a 4-year start on the varsity team and a captain this season. She says, “Sienna consistently puts in the time to make herself and her teammates better. She has faced many obstacles with injuries, but finds a way to push through – she never complains and always gives 100%.”

 

Jake Good is described by his teachers as mature, respectful, and focused. They remark, “Jake is collaborative in class and always supportive of his peers.” Varsity Football Head Coach, Quin Hatfield, notes that Jake went from a JV quarterback to All-State linebacker in just a few short years. Hatfield says, “Jake was the tone-setter for our defense and plays with tremendous physicality and passion. He’s a guy that you want on your side when things get difficult and the game is on the line.”

 

Teachers describe Ciarán Greer as respectful, compassionate, and purposeful. They note, “He is intentional about pursuing his interests and his connection with others.” Varsity Boys Cross Country Head Coach, Charlie Woodward, notes that Ciarán served as a captain this year, consistently inspiring and pushing his teammates. He says, “Ciarán’s growth, both as a runner and a leader, has paralleled his growth into a mature young man.”

 

DJ Harvey is described by his teachers as hard-working and resilient. They note, “DJ is a thoughtful student in class. He is a wonderful listener who respects others.” Coach Butler notes that DJ is the CCES all-time leader in assists, the player with the most wins, and a member of all three basketball state championships. He says, “DJ is the perfect point guard. His maturity, leadership, self-discipline, dedication, and intelligence is everything a coach wants in a player.”

 

Teachers describe Jack Hinds as authentic, self-motivated, and respectful. They appreciate his “dry wit and sense of humor,” as well as his ability to advocate for himself. Coach Woodward says, “Jack is one of the most dedicated athletes that I have ever coached.” He notes that Jack’s ability to set goals and put in the work to achieve them will allow him to graduate as one of the most accomplished distance runners in CCES school history.

 

Grant Strohmaier is described by his teachers as determined and confident. They remark, “Grant is not afraid to take on a challenge and has a coachable spirit in the classroom.” Varsity Boys Lacrosse Head Coach, Joey Porchetta, calls Grant “a keystone on our lacrosse team for several years.” He says, “Two things stand out to me about Grant – he works harder than others and he is very coachable. Those two qualities will serve him well in the classroom, on the field, and in life.”

 

Teachers describe Grayson Varnadore as engaged and always willing to participate in discussions. They note, “Grayson brings a positive attitude to all his classes.” Coach Hatfield calls Grayson’s ability to transition, take on new challenges, and adjust to a new school and football environment “exceptional.” He says, “Grayson is a humble, hard-working, and goal-driven student-athlete. He has played a key role on our back-to-back state championship teams.”

 

Congratulations to these ten student-athletes for all of their accomplishments, both athletically and academically. We look forward to all the things to come in these next chapters and CCES will always be cheering for you! Go Cavs!

 

For more photos from the ceremony, please click here.
For coverage from WSPA, please click here.