St. Margaret's Episcopal School is pleased to announce that three student athletes of the Class of 2016 have committed to play intercollegiate athletics next year. Seniors Gabrielle Benck, Samuel Harnisch and Noelani Murayama are matriculating to impressive universities where they will continue their academic pursuits, as well as play their sport on the college stage.

Click here for a National Letter of Intent Signing Day Photo Gallery

Gabrielle Benck, a four-year varsity volleyball starter for the Tartans will play at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. Co-captain of the 2015 team, Gabrielle is a 2012 CIF Champion and was named to the 2013 All-CIF and All-Academy League teams. She was also a gold medal recipient at the 2015 Girls Junior Nationals and 2014 Girls AAU Volleyball Festival.

Coach Joaquin Acosta said, "It has been a tremendous honor to coach Gabby this year, and I am excited to see what she will accomplish at the NCAA Division I level. Gabby is a big reason St. Margaret's is the Academy League Champion—due in large part to her willingness to move to a new position and unselfishly help the team."

Samuel Harnisch, a member of the 2013 and 2015 U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section Championship Tartan lacrosse teams, has committed to play for the 2015 NCAA Division 1 Lacrosse National Champion University of Denver Pioneers. Samuel's impressive pedigree includes being named a 2015 Under Armour Underclassman All-American and is currently ranked as the No. 71 high school senior in the country by recruitingrundown.com. Samuel will join his brother, Ryan Harnisch, Class of 2015, at the University of Denver.

For the Tartans, Harnisch was named First Team, All-County Lacrosse in 2015. A two-sport athlete at St. Margaret's, Samuel serves as team captain for the lacrosse and football teams and was an integral part of the 2014 CIF Southern Section Champion and CIF State runner-up Tartan football team.

Samuel is also a leader off the field, devoting himself to helping the community through the Share Our Selves Ministry and Victory youth lacrosse programs.

"Sam Harnisch is a tremendously gifted athlete, but what I am more impressed about is his leadership here at St. Margaret's. His compassion for others and his ability to excel in the classroom and on the playing field is what sets him apart in my mind. I am very proud to be able to share this young man with the University of Denver," said Head Football Coach Stephen Barbee.

Head Lacrosse Coach Glen Miles said, "It is a pleasure watching Samuel lead by example on the team. His passion and commitment to the game of lacrosse will serve him well the next four years. Being named as one of four incoming attackmen at the University of Denver is a tremendous honor that Samuel well deserves."

Noelani Murayama will compete at the NCAA Division 1 level of women's lacrosse for the University of California, Berkeley. Noelani was named First Team All-County Lacrosse and All-American Honorable Mention in 2015 and competed for the OCLA National Team her freshman through junior years. Noelani is a two-sport athlete at St. Margaret's, competing for the varsity lacrosse and volleyball teams.

Noelani spends summers volunteering with Special Camp for Special Kids.

"Noelani is a special player, always pushing her teammates and herself to perform at the highest levels. What I love about her the most is her passion, tenacity and drive on and off the field," said Head Girls’ Lacrosse Coach Holly Reilly.

“A very gifted class of seniors will end their competitive careers at St. Margaret’s having carried on a legacy of excellence that has become the cornerstone of some very successful programs. The high school national signing day marks the pinnacle of athletic achievement at this level, and we are very proud of these extraordinary student athletes,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Bendzick. “No athlete makes it to this level without a tremendous support system. This is also an opportunity to thank the teammates, coaches, parents and staff that helped make this dream possible.”

Director of College Counseling Roland Allen said, "Samuel, Gabby and Noelani are excellent examples of scholar athletes. Individually and collectively, they represent our ideal of encouraging students to exercise their diverse talents and to excel in multiple areas of their lives. Without a doubt, we will continue to hear of their achievements for years to come. These students are well prepared to make immediate contributions to their college communities when they enroll next fall."