Benet Academy prides itself on its athletic talents, and this year in particular has been a special one for its athletes. One particular event of note is the National Letter of Intent Signing Day. Founded in 1964, the National Letter of Intent program gives college-bound athletes an opportunity to display their dedication to the athletic and school communities through a public signing ceremony. 

Benet’s National Letter of Intent Signing Days happened on November 13, 2024, February 5, 2025, and April 16, 2025 respectively. Benet Academy in particular was selected by Uniball, a popular maker of writing instruments such as rollerball and fountain pens, as a sponsor for its celebration of signing day. The Redwings were selected among a handful of elite athletic schools, such as IMG Academy in Florida, Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada, and DeSoto High School in Texas to participate in this opportunity. News crews and professional videographers abounded, with much of the student Class of 2025, as well as a significant spectator area of approximately 200 adults, viewing the athletes.

Between Benet’s two signing days, a total of 50 unique athletes committed to colleges and universities in nineteen different states. This total represents over 15% of Benet’s graduating class of 2025, an impressive accomplishment at any school of Benet’s size. Moreover, nearly a dozen additional students either committed after the last Signing Day, or are planning to play a sanctioned club sport in college. The following Benet students committed to play at the Collegiate level and have not since decommitted from their school:

November 13, 2024:

• Audrey Asleson, University of Colorado, Women’s Volleyball
• Morgan Asleson, University of Dayton, Women’s Volleyball
• Tommy Bartenhagen, Mercer University, Men’s Lacrosse
• Ava Christensen, Oswego State University of New York, Women’s Hockey
• Imogen Duffy, Villanova University, Women’s Swimming
• Anthony Filippo, College of Dupage, Men’s Baseball
• Lindsay Harzich, Brown University, Women’s Basketball
• Delilah Helenhouse, Northwestern University, Women’s Cross Country
• Jack Kuelthau, University of St. Thomas, Men’s Soccer
• Gianna Kurelko, University of Cincinnati, Women’s Lacrosse
• Keira O’Donnell, University of Southern Mississippi, Women’s Volleyball
• Daniel Pauliukonis, Southern Illinois University, Men’s Basketball
• Kate Peebles, William and Mary, Women’s Gymnastics
• Sophia Pursley, United States Military Academy, West Point, Women’s Volleyball
• Jake Rifenburg, Northwestern University, Men’s Baseball
• Gabriele Stasys, Yale University, Women’s Volleyball
• Gino Zagorac, Wichita State University, Men’s Baseball

February 5, 2025:

• Charlie Davenport, Valparaiso University, Men’s Golf
• Elizabeth Davidson, University of Mary, Women’s Track and Field (Pole Vault)
• Aniela Gaudio, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Women’s Track and Cross Country
• Josh Gugora, Illinois Wesleyan University, Men’s Baseball
• Reed Hefley, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Men’s Volleyball
• Tristan Lakis, Webster University, Men’s Baseball
• Sophia Martinello, St. Mary’s College, Women’s Lacrosse
• Ethan Mendez, Roosevelt University, Men’s Baseball
• Aiden Mersinger, Knox College, Men’s Baseball
• Teddy Nawrocki, Pace University, Men’s Soccer
• Keira Petrucelli, Johns Hopkins University, Women’s Soccer
• Joe Rodi, Butler University, Football
• Liam Rooney, Bucknell University, Football
• Jonathan Rossi, Webster University, Men’s Baseball
• Luke Stachowiak, McKendree University, Men’s Baseball
• Merrick Sullivan, Ithaca College, Men’s Baseball
• Declan Walsh, University of St. Thomas, Football
• Luke Wildes, St Johns River State College, Men’s Baseball
• Jack Yenter, College of DuPage, Football
• Caira Zupo, University of Dubuque, Women’s Soccer

April 16, 2025:

• Brendan Beaumont, Carroll University, Men’s Basketball
• Payton Knox, Benedictine University, Men’s Baseball
• Ava Ledebuhr, University of Cincinnati, Women’s Volleyball
• Aris Maurukas, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Men’s Volleyball
• Aria Mazza, Johns Hopkins University, Women’s Basketball
• Michael O’Rourke, John Carroll University, Football
• Finn Richards, Vanderbilt University, Men’s Cross Country
• Marikate Ritterbusch, Villanova University, Women’s Volleyball
• Lucy Rooney, University of Michigan, Women’s Swimming
• Matt Swiatkowski, Mount Mercy University, Men’s Volleyball
• Maddie Trapp, Pomona-Pitzer College, Women’s Lacrosse

Many Benet students were happy to be recognized for their accomplishments. Aniya Warren, a senior who is one of the top volleyball players in the country, initially committed during the first NLI signing day. Reflecting on her experience, she said that “”I was filled with happiness, and I loved being able to celebrate accomplishing my dreams with my peers alongside while parents in attendance share this same joy.” As the graduates of the senior class continue on their life journeys, the work that they have put in will continue to be recognized as they enter their adult lives.