St. Margaret's Episcopal School announces that 10 student-athletes from the Class of 2016 have committed to play intercollegiate athletics next year. Seniors Grace Chalmers, Charlotte Duran, Payton Fales, Sarah Gencarella, Dane Lind, Olivia Miller, Kendall Robison, Nick Shanks, Owen Smith and Erik Suh will continue their academic pursuits, as well as play their respective sport at an impressive group of colleges and universities across the nation.

Grace Chalmers, Trinity College

Grace Chalmers, a 2015-2016 season captain and a four-year starter will play soccer at NCAA Division III Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. Grace was named to the All-CIF First Team in 2014 and 2015, as well as the All-Academy League First Team in 2014 and 2015. As a sophomore, Grace, a member of the 2013-2014 Division 5 CIF-SS Champions, was voted All-County Second team by The Orange County Register and was the only tenth-grade student-athlete named to either the First or Second teams. She amassed the second highest total assists and is ranked in the top 15 of goal scorers in All-CIF-SS Divisions in the 2014-2015 and 2013-2014 seasons of play. At the club level, Grace is a 2013-2015 regional top 50 IMG player, and a national top 150 ranked IMG player in 2014-2015.

Head Girls Soccer Coach Johnny Marmelstein said, "Grace has left a very positive impact on the St. Margaret's soccer program, and I am positive she will have the same success at Trinity College."

At St. Margaret's, Grace also competes on the varsity cheerleading and track and field squads. She intends to major in business at Trinity College.

Charlotte Duran, Amherst College

Charlotte Duran, a member of the 2015 CIF runner-up St. Margaret's volleyball team has committed to play at NCAA Division III Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. Charlotte, a volleyball team captain at St. Margaret's, also volunteers as a Special Camp for Special Kids counselor.

"Charlotte has evolved into a terrific leader here at St. Margaret's. I am proud to see that her hard work and dedication has allowed her to continue her career at the collegiate level," said Head Girls Volleyball Coach Joaquin Acosta.

Payton Fales, Colby College
Payton Fales, a member of the 2015 U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section Champion Tartan lacrosse team and two-time team captain, will compete at the NCAA Division III level, committing to Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Payton garnered 2015 All-Orange County and All-U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section Tournament awards as goaltender for St. Margaret's.

Payton, who ranks himself as "usually one of the top five funniest guys on the team," was also named an Under Armour Underclassman Western All-American in 2015. For his efforts to grow the game of lacrosse beyond the borders of the United States, Payton was named team captain for the 2015 U-19 Israel National Lacrosse Team.

"I am continually impressed by Payton's leadership and love of his teammates. It has been one of the most special things I've seen as a coach and I am looking forward to his senior year and beyond," said Head Lacrosse Coach Glen Miles.

Sarah Gencarella, a four-year member of St. Margaret's varsity soccer team, has committed to play at NCAA Division III Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. Sarah was named Second-Team All-Academy League in 2015 and was a member of the 2014 CIF-SS Division 5 Championship team.

Outside of soccer, Sarah is a member of the National Charity League and volunteers for the Acres of Love Organization. She also competes as a member of St. Margaret's girls’ lacrosse program.

"Sarah is one of the most naturally gifted soccer athletes we have had at St. Margaret's and her enthusiasm and energy always lifts our team when needed the most," said Coach Marmelstein.

Dane Lind, a member of St. Margaret's 2014 CIF Regional State Champion soccer team, has committed to continue his playing career at NCAA Division III Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. Dane is a two-time Second Team All-Academy League awardee and was named The Orange County Register Second Team All-Orange County for his sophomore season performance.

Dane is a member of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and a selection of the U.S. Olympic Development Program Pro and Spring Camp.

Head Boys Soccer Coach Adam Doty said, "I have had the pleasure to watch Dane's tenacity and athleticism on the field. I know he will do St. Margaret's proud as he continues his career at Amherst."

Dane intends to major in pre-medical studies at Amherst.

Olivia Miller, a varsity team captain at St. Margaret's her junior and senior years, has committed to play soccer at NCAA Division III Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt. Olivia helped St. Margaret's to a CIF-SS Division 5 Championship in 2014 as a sophomore and was named First-Team All-Academy League during her junior year.

Olivia has spent summers volunteering at Special Camp for Special Kids. She intends to major in history at Middlebury.

"Despite an injury, Olivia has been an integral part of our success this year. She delivers an all-league effort every time she steps on the field, and I am confident she will continue to do so at Middlebury," said Coach Marmelstein.

Kendall Robison will continue her athletic career by committing to play volleyball at NCAA Division III Haverford College in Haverford, Pa. Kendall is a three-year member of the St. Margaret's varsity volleyball team and a 2014 CIF-SS runner-up. She earned the Academy League Honorable Mention Award in 2015.

Kendall volunteers her time at the Orangewood Children's Home and for Special Camp for Special Kids, as well as participating in the National Charity League. She intends to major in business at Haverford.

"Kendall's focus and drive to overcome adversity and return from an injury says a lot about her as an athlete. I am very proud to see her continue to NCAA competition," said Coach Acosta.

Nick Shanks has committed to play lacrosse at NCAA Division III Tufts University in Medford, Mass. Shanks, a two-time All-CIF Southern Section honoree in football is a four-year varsity lacrosse letterman and two-time U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section Champion. Nick has volunteered at Father Serra's Food Pantry and intends to major in business at Tufts.

"Nick is an incredibly gifted athlete and has been a huge contributor to St. Margaret's success on the football and lacrosse fields. Nick comes up big every time he steps on the field, and I am confident he will continue to do so at the next level," said Coach Miles.

Owen Smith has committed to continue his soccer career at NCAA Division III New York University. Owen, a member of the 2014 CIF Finalist and CIF Regional State Champion soccer teams and was honored with a First-Team All-CIF selection and Academy League MVP his sophomore year.

At the club level, Owen is a member of the Pateadores Academy and crowned Northern Ireland Milk Cup Champion in 2013 and 2015.

"It has been a privilege to watch Owen play these past few years. NYU is gaining a tremendous asset in Owen Smith," said Head Coach Adam Doty.

At St. Margaret's, Owen volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club of San Juan Capistrano and the Great Opportunities organization. He plans on majoring in business and economics at NYU.

Erik Suh has committed to play NCAA Division I lacrosse at St. John's University in New York. Erik, a two-time U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section Champion, was named co-MVP in the 2015 Championship game.

Coach Miles said, "Erik excels both in the classroom and on the field. I have been extremely fortunate to watch Erik grow as a player and as a leader here at St. Margaret's."

Erik has recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest level in Boy Scouts of America. Erik aims to major in finance at St. John’s.

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“Having 10 athletes make college athletic commitments in the winter illustrates their unwavering dedication while attending St. Margaret's. In addition, the caliber of academic institutions they have selected shows a level of maturity beyond their years and displays their understanding of what it truly means to be a student-athlete,” said Director of Athletics and Physical Education Patrick Bendzick. “We are very proud of their accomplishments and will remain forever grateful for their contributions to St. Margaret’s.”

Director of College Counseling Roland Allen added, “Each National Signing Day highlights our distinction as a school with highly motivated and academically able student-athletes. St. Margaret’s student-athletes are enrolling in some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. Not many schools in California compare with our ability to nurture so many fine student-athletes. This is something that our community should celebrate and take pride in.”

In addition to the students listed above, Gabrielle Benck, Samuel Harnisch and Noelani Murayama committed to play intercollegiate athletics next year during November’s National Letter of Intent Signing Day. Click here to read more about Gabrielle, Samuel and Noelani and the colleges and universities they will attend in the fall.