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St. Margaret's Student-Athletes Commit to Top Colleges During Winter Signing Period
Eleven student-athletes from the Class of 2024 committed to continuing their academic careers and playing intercollegiate athletics during the winter signing period.
St. Margaret's Episcopal School is pleased to announce that 11 student-athletes from the Class of 2024 have committed to play intercollegiate athletics next year during the winter National Signing Day. Seniors Matt Arena, Gabby Eifrig, Russell Frye, Battle Gideons, Carly Grumet, Austin Hicks, Adam Horcasitas, Nathaniel Kim, Conor McKenna, Jojo Samluk and Heidi Tufo will continue their academic pursuits and play their respective sports at an impressive group of colleges and universities.
These student-athletes join two of their classmates who committed during the signing period in the fall.
"College Signing Day for a high school student-athlete is the ultimate affirmation of one's hard work paying off, blended with the blessings of a unique talent for their sport," said St. Margaret's Director of Athletics Dan O'Shea. "Though we always appreciate the dedication of all of our student-athletes, we wish to celebrate these 11 individuals for their opportunity to continue on as college athletes next year at some of the finest universities in the nation. Congratulations, one and all!"
Matt Arena, Hofstra University
Matt Arena has committed to study and play lacrosse at NCAA Div. I Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
Matt, an accomplished two-sport athlete for the Tartans, has greatly impacted the St. Margaret's lacrosse and football programs. In lacrosse, Matt racked up an impressive 46 ground balls, and 20 caused turnovers in the 2023 campaign. At the club level, Matt is a key contributor to the Mad Dog Lacrosse Club's West Elite and National teams and has earned the honor of competing for the Pacific Southwest squad at the Nike National All-Star Game.
Matt intends to pursue his academic interests in business and finance at Hofstra.
Gabby Eifrig, Georgetown University
Gabby Eifrig has committed to continue her academic and athletic career in golf at NCAA Div. I Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
Gabby has been a cornerstone of the Tartan girls golf program for the past four years and has served as team captain for the last three. During her career at St. Margaret's, Gabby has led the Tartans to three league championships, the 2021 CIF-SS Div. III Team Championship and Runners Up in the 2023 CIF-SS Div. II Team Championship. Gabby has the distinction of being only one of two Tartan female golfers to make the SCGA Individuals and is the only St. Margaret's golfer of either gender to make the tournament twice.
Russell Frye, The University of Chicago
Russell Frye has committed to study and play football at NCAA Div. III The University of Chicago in Chicago.
Russell, a three-sport athlete at St. Margaret's, has excelled as a member of the Tartan football, basketball, and volleyball programs. Having only played football at St. Margaret's during his senior year, team captain Russell distinguished himself as one of the top receivers in Orange County and was named to the All-Orange Coast League first team.
As well as producing a tremendous year on the gridiron, Russell is a 2022 All-CIF selection in volleyball and a two-time All-CIF honoree in basketball. Russell also scored his 1,000th point in basketball against Orange High on Jan 29.
In his free time, Russell has volunteered as a Special Camp counselor and has worked for volunteer groups Rise Against Hunger, Family Assistance Ministries and OC Advance.
Russell plans to major in Economics at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Battle Gideons, The University of Chicago
Battle Gideons has committed to study and play football at NCAA Div. III The University of Chicago in Chicago.
Battle, a four-year starter for the Tartan Football program, was a first-team All-Orange Coast League selection and Orange Coast League Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Battle served as a team captain and anchored the Tartan defensive unit all year. Notably, Battle leaves the Tartan football program as the all-time leader in tackles with 257.
Battle has been very active at St. Margaret's with the Peer Counseling program and the Honor Committee. Battle has also embarked on many speaking opportunities with the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Carly Grumet, Wesleyan University
Carly Grumet has decided to continue her academic and volleyball careers at NCAA Div. III Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn.
Carly, a senior co-captain for the Tartan volleyball program, is a core member of the team. Carly averaged 3.5 kills per set with an efficiency of .256. Carly was also a threat at the service line with 94% efficiency and over two aces for every error.
At the club level, Carly has been a long-time member of the San Clemente Volleyball Club and won a bronze medal at the USA Volleyball Junior Nationals in 2023.
Carly volunteers her time at St. Margaret's Infant Pantry, Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano, Special Camp and St. Margaret's Church Vacation Bible School. Carly also participates in the Tartan Inclusivity and Diversity Education student leadership group at St. Margaret's.
Carly intends to major in Psychology and Latin American Studies at Wesleyan.
Austin Hicks, Duke University
Austin Hicks has committed to continue his academic and lacrosse careers at NCAA Div. I Duke University in Durham, N.C.
Austin, a 2023 All-CIF, First-Team All-Orange County, and US Lacrosse All-American awardee, is also one of the highest-ranked 2024 recruits in the country. Austin demonstrated his talent for finding the net, finishing as the Tartans' leading scorer in 2023.
Austin has solidified his status as a highly rated high school senior by earning All-Star nods at Mainstage and Maverik Showtime club events and was named MVP at both the Nike National Games and Five Star Showcase.
Austin intends to major in Economics at Duke.
Adam Horcasitas, Mount St. Mary's University
Adam Horcasitas has committed to study and play lacrosse at NCAA Div. I Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Md.
Adam, a skilled midfielder for the Tartans, showcased his talents in his first year at St. Margaret's in 2023. Adam led St. Margaret's midfielders with an impressive 44 points split amongst 23 goals and 21 assists. Adam led the Tartan offense with a remarkable 50% shooting accuracy in the 2023 campaign. Adam also competes with the Mad Dog West Elite team at the club level.
Adam plans on majoring in business at Mount St. Mary's.
Nathaniel Kim, The University of Chicago
Nathaniel Kim has decided to continue his academic and football careers at NCAA Div. III The University of Chicago in Chicago.
Nathaniel Kim, a four-year two-sport athlete at St. Margaret's, has been a mainstay for the Tartans on the football and soccer fields. As a kicker for the football program, Nathaniel was named Orange Coast League Special Teams Player of the Year.
Off the field, Nathaniel volunteers his time With Team World Vision, an organization that focuses on clean water initiatives worldwide.
Nathaniel will major in Economics at Chicago.
Conor McKenna, Bryant University
Conor McKenna has committed to study and play lacrosse at NCAA Div. I Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.
Conor, a productive playmaker for the Tartans, amassed an impressive 40 points with 19 goals and 21 assists in 2023. At the club level, Conor is a key member of the Mad Dog Lacrosse Club's West Elite and National teams. Additionally, Conor has earned Nike National Pacific Southwest All-Star honors three times.
Conor enjoys giving back to the lacrosse community through his involvement in youth coaching initiatives as well as supporting the community at large as a member of the Orange County Fire Authority Cadet program.
Conor intends to major in Exercise Science at Bryant.
Jojo Samluk, Colby College
Jojo Samluk has decided to continue his academic and lacrosse careers at NCAA Div. III Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
Jojo, a three-sport athlete at St. Margaret's, is a standout defensive midfielder for the Tartan Lacrosse program. At times an unsung hero, Jojo consistently makes critical, game-changing plays, whether through sound on-ball defense, securing challenging ground balls, or igniting the transition game for the Tartans.
Jojo intends to major in Economics and English at Colby.
Heidi Tufo, Middlebury College
Heidi Tufo has committed to study and swim at NCAA Div. III Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt.
Heidi, an accomplished swimmer and four-year member of the Tartan swimming & diving program, is the current Orange Coast League record holder in the 100 fly, a five-time league champion in the 100 breast, 200 individual medley and 100 fly. Heidi has been named to first-team All-League lists in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Heidi was also a CIF finalist in the 100 fly, 200 individual medley, 200 free relay, and 400 free relay events.
Heidi is also an integral member of the St. Margaret's surf team and is currently ranked No. 6 in the women's longboard division.
Heidi volunteers her time as a St. Margaret's Peer Counselor, as a Writing Center Tutor and as a member of the For the Girls club. Alongside her volunteer activities, Heidi has served as a lifeguard at Doheny, Calafia and San Onofre State Beaches.
Back
These student-athletes join two of their classmates who committed during the signing period in the fall.
"College Signing Day for a high school student-athlete is the ultimate affirmation of one's hard work paying off, blended with the blessings of a unique talent for their sport," said St. Margaret's Director of Athletics Dan O'Shea. "Though we always appreciate the dedication of all of our student-athletes, we wish to celebrate these 11 individuals for their opportunity to continue on as college athletes next year at some of the finest universities in the nation. Congratulations, one and all!"
Matt Arena, Hofstra University
Matt Arena has committed to study and play lacrosse at NCAA Div. I Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.
Matt, an accomplished two-sport athlete for the Tartans, has greatly impacted the St. Margaret's lacrosse and football programs. In lacrosse, Matt racked up an impressive 46 ground balls, and 20 caused turnovers in the 2023 campaign. At the club level, Matt is a key contributor to the Mad Dog Lacrosse Club's West Elite and National teams and has earned the honor of competing for the Pacific Southwest squad at the Nike National All-Star Game.
Matt intends to pursue his academic interests in business and finance at Hofstra.
Gabby Eifrig, Georgetown University
Gabby Eifrig has committed to continue her academic and athletic career in golf at NCAA Div. I Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
Gabby has been a cornerstone of the Tartan girls golf program for the past four years and has served as team captain for the last three. During her career at St. Margaret's, Gabby has led the Tartans to three league championships, the 2021 CIF-SS Div. III Team Championship and Runners Up in the 2023 CIF-SS Div. II Team Championship. Gabby has the distinction of being only one of two Tartan female golfers to make the SCGA Individuals and is the only St. Margaret's golfer of either gender to make the tournament twice.
Russell Frye, The University of Chicago
Russell Frye has committed to study and play football at NCAA Div. III The University of Chicago in Chicago.
Russell, a three-sport athlete at St. Margaret's, has excelled as a member of the Tartan football, basketball, and volleyball programs. Having only played football at St. Margaret's during his senior year, team captain Russell distinguished himself as one of the top receivers in Orange County and was named to the All-Orange Coast League first team.
As well as producing a tremendous year on the gridiron, Russell is a 2022 All-CIF selection in volleyball and a two-time All-CIF honoree in basketball. Russell also scored his 1,000th point in basketball against Orange High on Jan 29.
In his free time, Russell has volunteered as a Special Camp counselor and has worked for volunteer groups Rise Against Hunger, Family Assistance Ministries and OC Advance.
Russell plans to major in Economics at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Battle Gideons, The University of Chicago
Battle Gideons has committed to study and play football at NCAA Div. III The University of Chicago in Chicago.
Battle, a four-year starter for the Tartan Football program, was a first-team All-Orange Coast League selection and Orange Coast League Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Battle served as a team captain and anchored the Tartan defensive unit all year. Notably, Battle leaves the Tartan football program as the all-time leader in tackles with 257.
Battle has been very active at St. Margaret's with the Peer Counseling program and the Honor Committee. Battle has also embarked on many speaking opportunities with the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Carly Grumet, Wesleyan University
Carly Grumet has decided to continue her academic and volleyball careers at NCAA Div. III Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn.
Carly, a senior co-captain for the Tartan volleyball program, is a core member of the team. Carly averaged 3.5 kills per set with an efficiency of .256. Carly was also a threat at the service line with 94% efficiency and over two aces for every error.
At the club level, Carly has been a long-time member of the San Clemente Volleyball Club and won a bronze medal at the USA Volleyball Junior Nationals in 2023.
Carly volunteers her time at St. Margaret's Infant Pantry, Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano, Special Camp and St. Margaret's Church Vacation Bible School. Carly also participates in the Tartan Inclusivity and Diversity Education student leadership group at St. Margaret's.
Carly intends to major in Psychology and Latin American Studies at Wesleyan.
Austin Hicks, Duke University
Austin Hicks has committed to continue his academic and lacrosse careers at NCAA Div. I Duke University in Durham, N.C.
Austin, a 2023 All-CIF, First-Team All-Orange County, and US Lacrosse All-American awardee, is also one of the highest-ranked 2024 recruits in the country. Austin demonstrated his talent for finding the net, finishing as the Tartans' leading scorer in 2023.
Austin has solidified his status as a highly rated high school senior by earning All-Star nods at Mainstage and Maverik Showtime club events and was named MVP at both the Nike National Games and Five Star Showcase.
Austin intends to major in Economics at Duke.
Adam Horcasitas, Mount St. Mary's University
Adam Horcasitas has committed to study and play lacrosse at NCAA Div. I Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Md.
Adam, a skilled midfielder for the Tartans, showcased his talents in his first year at St. Margaret's in 2023. Adam led St. Margaret's midfielders with an impressive 44 points split amongst 23 goals and 21 assists. Adam led the Tartan offense with a remarkable 50% shooting accuracy in the 2023 campaign. Adam also competes with the Mad Dog West Elite team at the club level.
Adam plans on majoring in business at Mount St. Mary's.
Nathaniel Kim, The University of Chicago
Nathaniel Kim has decided to continue his academic and football careers at NCAA Div. III The University of Chicago in Chicago.
Nathaniel Kim, a four-year two-sport athlete at St. Margaret's, has been a mainstay for the Tartans on the football and soccer fields. As a kicker for the football program, Nathaniel was named Orange Coast League Special Teams Player of the Year.
Off the field, Nathaniel volunteers his time With Team World Vision, an organization that focuses on clean water initiatives worldwide.
Nathaniel will major in Economics at Chicago.
Conor McKenna, Bryant University
Conor McKenna has committed to study and play lacrosse at NCAA Div. I Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.
Conor, a productive playmaker for the Tartans, amassed an impressive 40 points with 19 goals and 21 assists in 2023. At the club level, Conor is a key member of the Mad Dog Lacrosse Club's West Elite and National teams. Additionally, Conor has earned Nike National Pacific Southwest All-Star honors three times.
Conor enjoys giving back to the lacrosse community through his involvement in youth coaching initiatives as well as supporting the community at large as a member of the Orange County Fire Authority Cadet program.
Conor intends to major in Exercise Science at Bryant.
Jojo Samluk, Colby College
Jojo Samluk has decided to continue his academic and lacrosse careers at NCAA Div. III Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
Jojo, a three-sport athlete at St. Margaret's, is a standout defensive midfielder for the Tartan Lacrosse program. At times an unsung hero, Jojo consistently makes critical, game-changing plays, whether through sound on-ball defense, securing challenging ground balls, or igniting the transition game for the Tartans.
Jojo intends to major in Economics and English at Colby.
Heidi Tufo, Middlebury College
Heidi Tufo has committed to study and swim at NCAA Div. III Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt.
Heidi, an accomplished swimmer and four-year member of the Tartan swimming & diving program, is the current Orange Coast League record holder in the 100 fly, a five-time league champion in the 100 breast, 200 individual medley and 100 fly. Heidi has been named to first-team All-League lists in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Heidi was also a CIF finalist in the 100 fly, 200 individual medley, 200 free relay, and 400 free relay events.
Heidi is also an integral member of the St. Margaret's surf team and is currently ranked No. 6 in the women's longboard division.
Heidi volunteers her time as a St. Margaret's Peer Counselor, as a Writing Center Tutor and as a member of the For the Girls club. Alongside her volunteer activities, Heidi has served as a lifeguard at Doheny, Calafia and San Onofre State Beaches.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
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