Sanford High School celebrated 16 students during a Senior Athlete Signing Ceremony held Wednesday, May 27, as these seniors officially committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Athletic Director Zach Lemelin opened the ceremony by recognizing the dedication and countless hours these student-athletes have invested in their sports before introducing each senior with remarks from their coaches.
"These student-athletes have spent countless hours working to improve their skills and abilities, all while gaining accolades across the SMAA and the State of Maine. They are a credit to their parents and families, and a special thank you to the many coaches at all levels who have played a pivotal role in their growth,” Lemelin said.
Ryan Alexander will attend Southern Maine Community College to study Electrical Engineering and play basketball. A team captain and SMAA Honorable Mention honoree, Alexander was praised for his development into a complete offensive player and his energy within the program. Olivia Adornetto heads to Colby-Sawyer College for Child Development with a concentration in Occupational Therapy while playing tennis, recognized for her consistent growth and composure on the court over four years.
Brady Boissonneault will study Sports and Recreational Management and play football at Curry College, earning praise for his deep knowledge of the game and his steady leadership.
Evelyn Cole will pursue Marine Systems Engineering at Maine Maritime Academy while playing lacrosse, having taken up the sport as a junior and quickly excelling at the goalie position. Gabrielle Favolise will study Elementary Education and play volleyball at Thomas College, where her work ethic and leadership as a captain set the tone for her team.
Dylan Gendron — First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference, and a Mr. Maine Basketball semifinalist — will study Finance and play basketball at the University of Southern Maine. Carter Giroux joins him on the hardwood at Southern Maine Community College, where he will study Business Administration after earning McDonald's Senior All-Star honors and the team's Most Improved Award.
Matthew Hebert will study Special Education and play baseball at New England College, closing out a four-year varsity career behind the plate marked by consistent leadership and relentless effort. Gavin Hebler will play soccer and study Health Sciences at York County Community College, having helped lead a turnaround for the Sanford program as a captain. Ava Hudson heads to New England College for Business Administration and soccer, recognized for her vision, physicality, and impact as a leader in the midfield.
Linda-Rose Krol will study Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and play field hockey at Dominican University, earning recognition for her discipline and commitment after coming to the sport in her sophomore year.
Isabella McCall will study Exercise Science and play soccer at St. Joseph's College of Maine, praised for her defensive intensity, field vision, and multiple game-winning goals. Sophie Olivio will pursue Architecture at Norwich University and compete in both soccer and lacrosse, having been one of the top goalkeepers in the state during her varsity career. Annalise Stimmell will study Medical Biology/Pre-Med at St. Joseph's College of Maine while competing in soccer and track, described by coaches as tireless, poised, and selfless.
Rory White heads to Simmons University for Psychiatric Nursing and swimming, recognized as a dedicated team-first competitor throughout her career. Georgia Whitman rounds out the group, competing in track and field at St. Joseph's College of Maine while studying Exercise Science, known as a fierce and inspiring competitor.