News Detail
National Signing Day 2019
Nine seniors are recognized in field hockey, basketball, baseball and lacrosse
An overflow crowd of parents, family, faculty, coaches and students gathered in the Estes Athletic Center on the morning of Wednesday, November 13 to celebrate nine Trinity seniors as they officially commit to competing in intercollegiate athletics next year. Early November is a traditional time for seniors to sign their national letters of intent, and Trinity seniors joined student-athletes nationwide for this “National Signing Day” ceremony.
- Henry Coleman ’20 (basketball) — Duke University
- Kristy Hamze ’20 (basketball) — Queens University of Charlotte
- Mollie Schuma ’20 (field hockey) — College of William & Mary
- Burke Smith ’20 (basketball) — Boise State University
- Callie Srader ’20 (field hockey) — Ball State University
- James Nelson ’20 (baseball) — Longwood University
- Cori Nichols ’20 (field hockey) — University of Richmond
- Sydney Whiting ’20 (swimming) — University of Notre Dame
- Matt Williams ’20 (lacrosse) — Randolph-Macon College
Coaches shared words of praise, appreciation and anticipation of more great things to come for the group of Trinity student leaders and their extended families who have committed so much time toward the pursuit of excellence both on and off the playing field.
Tim Merry, head baseball coach, congratulated James Nelson ’20. “James has been a four-year starter on the baseball team. Most of the time he has been at a key spot in the lineup. Anybody who has seen James play consistently knows how good he is.” Sam Mickens, assistant baseball coach, thanked Nelson for his transformative contributions to the school both on and off the field. “He has made me a better coach, a better father and a better person,” said Mickens. “I can’t say how privileged I am to have coached this young man.”
Chris McQueeney, head lacrosse coach, spoke about Matt Williams ’20. “Teachers love having him in the classroom. He is engaged, passionate and kind,” said McQueeny. “He is a quiet giant on the lacrosse field. You would know when he had the ball in his stick, he meant business. Our practice players would jump out of the way to avoid getting hit by his shot.”
Margie Snead, coming off an incredible month of postseason field hockey wins, praised the teamwork and selfless play of three seniors: Callie Srader ’20, Mollie Schuma ’20 and Cori Nichols ’20. “Over two undefeated seasons, they are 44-0, outscoring opponents 244-10,” said Snead. “But what is even more important is that they are huge members of a really engaged and vital community. They have been wonderful leaders and role models on the field and great examples of what it means to be a Titan.”
Snead praised Srader’s versatility, defensive tenacity and work ethic. “Her feet literally never stop moving,” said Snead. “I love the diversity of her interests and the passion with which she pursues them.”
Of Schuma, who was the team’s leading scorer with 27 goals, Snead noted her ability to step up in big moments. “In last year’s LIS and state games, she scored 5 goals. She scored the final and winning goal in the state championship game.”
Nichols, who was just named LIS Player of the Year for 2019 had played the central midfielder role for the titans for the past two dominant seasons. “Her speed and position skills allow her to attack with the same skill with which she defends.”
Adam Lonon, head girls basketball coach, praised Kristy Hamze ’20 for stepping out of her comfort zone and making an exciting decision, despite facing adversity in the recruiting process. “Queens University loves you and wants to build a program around you,” he said. “We’re very proud of you. We love you and wish you much success on the next level.”
Rick Hamlin, head boys basketball coach, noted that he had been fortunate enough to teach all but one of the signees. “It’s so inspiring as a teacher to see these kids I got to know as students first to see their dreams realized as athletes,” he said. He praised Henry Coleman ’20 , the 2019 Richmond All-Metro Player of the Year, for his leadership both on and off the court. “As student body president, or in the front row cheering every other sport, Henry has time for every student here,” he said. “That infectious personality he has has made this school a better place.”
Hamlin noted what a unique player Burke Smith ’20 is. “At nearly seven feet tall, he’s a great shooter, ball handler; he’s a phenomenal passer,” said Hamlin. “It’s a big reason he was attracted to Boise State because of their history of success with skilled big guys like Burke.” Smith has also stood out among his peers for his school spirit, supporting friends and classmates in other sports. “His leadership this year has been off the charts,” said Hamlin.
Last, but not least, Tim Johnson, head swimming coach, spoke about Syndey Whiting ’20, listing first her remarkable numbers in the pool: All-LIS seven times, All-State three times, setting three LIS records, three Trinity records, and one VISAA record last year. “To say that she’s unchallenged in the pool goes without question,” said Johnson, “She is not only a fast swimmer bit a great teammate… and an integral part of keeping the team together… So while she certainly holds all these accolades, times and records, Notre Dame is getting a really great person, and those are few and far between.”
Athletic Director Anna Prillaman concluded the program with a personal reflection on the experience of being a college athlete. “Sometimes when you excel at a sport, you can get put in a box, and for some people, that becomes what you’re known as,” Prillaman said. “I want you to know that you can always come back to Trinity and we will remember and love you for who you are as a person.
1
/
22
More Headlines
List of 15 news stories.
-
Learning to Lead
Class Representatives elected and inducted to 2025-25 Student Leadership TeamRead More -
Winning Attitude
Read MoreLegendary Basketball Coach Inspired Trinity Students at the Richmond Forum -
One Step at a Time
Coach Brian Turnage with Mental Edge Athletics gives students a road map for personal growth and successRead More -
Making Good Choices
Learning from mistakes, open communication spotlighted at Honor Symposium ChapelRead More -
Curious Crew
Higher-level IB science students share results of original research in annual poster sessionRead More -
Tools of the Trade
Seniors in the IB Global Politics class explore the principles of international trade through friendly competitionRead More -
Record Recognition
Trinity Artists and Writers Honored with nearly 50 awards in nation's premiere arts achievement competitionRead More -
History in the Stars
“As someone who wants to pursue a career in STEM, being able to have the opportunity to meet another woman who has made an impressive career for herself in STEM, is an inspiration for me,” said Madison Jewett ‘26Read More -
Fish Music
Internationally renowned musician John-Andrew Wilhite ’09 teams up with marine scientists to help boost Norwegian cod populationRead More -
Home Again
Homecoming Week 2024 unites students, teachers, parents, alumni and friends in a celebration of the best of TrinityRead More -
FIRST Class
Titan Robotics Team 539 Makes History at FIRST Robotics World ChampionshipsRead More -
“I Am, Because We Are”
Rev. Ken Malcolm offers message of neighborly love and cooperation in Eucharist ChapelRead More -
A Boost for Science
Science Teacher John Benson earns STEM grant from Toshiba America FoundationRead More -
Titans in France
Five young alumni send virtual postcards to Trinity from work and study abroad programs in FranceRead More -
Dream Team
Mother-daughter alumni duo explore Chilean heritage and love of the game as Field Hockey Women's World Cup volunteersRead More
Trinity Episcopal School
3850 PITTAWAY DR | RICHMOND VA 23235-1099 | Phone: 804.272.5864 | Fax: 804.272.5865 Email: mail@trinityes.org
