Six Class of 2023 Knights Commit to Play in College

During GSB's annual National Letter of Intent and National Signing Day ceremony, six senior student-athletes from the Class of 2023 committed to compete at the Division I, II, or III level in college next season.  

Elise Cantu, Gavin Collins, Will Deo, Joe Howard, Ally Ross, and Zack Wendell were accompanied in the Athletic Center by family, coaches, and GSB faculty as they took the next step in their respective athletic careers.
 

Elise Cantu (United States Coast Guard, softball)

Mike Surella, Head Softball Coach, says, “The one word that comes to mind when I think of Elise is courage. It takes courage to come to a new school as a junior and make the impact she has on our community both on and off the field playing 3 varsity sports while also being named to our honor board. On the softball field Elise's is a 5-tool player who was named to first-team All-Conference and All-Area in her first season as a Knight. Always the first one on the field and the last to leave, her work ethic is second to none. It has been an honor to coach her and see her develop into a strong leader who is not afraid to set the bar high and take the risk to be great. I have no doubt she will one day be the leader of a search and rescue team as proud member of the United States Coast Guard.”
 

Gavin Collins (Kenyon, lacrosse)

Byron Collins, Head Boys’ Lacrosse Coach, states, “Gavin Collins was elected captain by his teammates for this upcoming season. He has been a very versatile player for the program over the last two years starting in both sophomore and junior seasons. Gavin has started at both attack & midfield and has been in the top 5 scorers during both his sophomore & junior campaigns."

 "Gavin is someone that teammates look up to both on and off the field. He has a knack for scoring big goals in big games! His energy in the big moments has helped the team overachieve during the last two seasons. He has been asked to do a lot during his career and that is why so many young players look up to him for his guidance. It's not easy being the coach’s son but I couldn't be more proud of this young man. I think it speaks volumes that his teammates selected him unanimously as their captain for his senior year.  Best of luck at Kenyon College.”
 

Will Deo (Holy Cross, lacrosse)

Coach Byron Collins continues, “Will Deo was also elected captain by his teammates for this upcoming season. Will is on pace to be the all-time scorer in lacrosse program history. He has led the offense & the team in total points (assists and goals) each of the last two seasons. He has been named to the 1st Team All-League as well Honorable Mention All-State during his career and still has one more year remaining." 

 "Will is someone that everyone, both coaches & teammates, loves. He can really bring a team together on & off the field. His effort out on the field is contagious and his teammates rally around him. He always draws the other teams' best defender and always comes out on top. I can't thank him enough for all that he has done to put Gill St. Bernards lacrosse program on the map. For all his efforts over the years, it was no surprise that he was selected unanimously, by his peers, as a captain.  Best of luck at College of the Holy Cross.” 
 

Joe Howard (Vassar, soccer)

Head Boys’ Soccer Coach Tony Bednarsky comments, “Joe has been a four-year letter winner, three-year starter, and senior captain for our program. Beyond his individual accolades at conference, county, prep and state levels, Joe has been the consummate team player and leader by example. It was an honor and privilege to coach him the past 4 years and we wish him nothing but success at Vassar College.”
 

Ally Ross (Gannon, acrobatics and tumbling)

Head Cheerleading Coach Margery Schiesswohl, shares proudly, “Ally is the student that every coach and teacher loves to have. Her enthusiasm and contribution to the GSB Cheer Squad has been unwavering and infectious. Coming out of the COVID era when we were unable to even have a team, Ally was one of the first to step up and commit to the program as a junior. She continues to bring energy, style, technique, and a positive attitude to every practice, game, and event. We wish her nothing but the best in her continued participation in the world of Acro and Tumble at Gannon University. We will miss her! #OnceAKnightAlwaysAKnight”
 

Zack Wendell (Lehigh, baseball)

Dave Pasquale, Head Baseball Coach, says, “Zack has been an absolute pleasure to coach. His contributions on the field are well-documented, but what he does for us off the field has been just as impressive. He's an incredibly hard worker and an ideal teammate.... two qualities that don't always describe student-athletes with his talent. He has earned the respect of everyone in our program, and we will miss him dearly when he graduates from GSB.”

Congratulations to our Knights!