This fall nine athletes are taking a big step and signing with various colleges to continue their athletic career. Athletes perform in various sports such as: baseball, basketball, diving, golf and volleyball. These athletes will soon attend schools all around the country.
Abby Gardner, Stanford diving commit, has been diving for Atlanta Diving Association for five years and has been diving for Wesleyan for four years. Over the years she has been competing for both teams. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, Gardner was the state champion in Georgia for One-Meter competitions. Gardner is a part of the All-American Divers which places her in the top 100 for high school divers in the US.
Kate McCahan, Notre Dame diving commit, has been diving for Atlanta Diving Association on-and-off since she was a child, and then has been diving full time for six years. McCahan has been diving for Wesleyan for four years. She is a great diver placing fourth in the state in 2014, fifth in the state in 2015, and third in the state for 2016. McCahan is on the All-American Diving team. “I am excited to dive for Notre Dame! Go Irish!” said McCahan.
Jameson Kavel, Duke University softball commit, said, “I’ve been playing [softball] since I was six and my favorite part is hanging out with my teammates and the bonds I form with them.” Kavel currently holds the records for 55 hits, 29 stolen bases, 52 runs and 8 triples in one single season. In her over all career, Kavel has “a lot of records and accomplishments, but her legacy as a great teammate and hard worker are what will always stand out about her” (said Head Softball Coach, Mary Stephenson). She holds 194 hits, 81 stolen bases, 162 runs scored, 19 triples, 246 assists, 18 double plays and 126 played games in her over all career as a softball player for Wesleyan. “Duke is lucky to have her as a part of their program,” said Stephenson.
Mikayla Coombs, University of Connecticut basketball commit, has been playing basketball since she was 3 years old. She started travel basketball at 9 years old and has been playing basketball at Wesleyan since she was in 7th grade. Coombs has an average of 13 points, 2.5 assists, 8.5 rebounds and 3 steals per game. She is a great team layer and she will be attending University of Connecticut, playing basketball, in the fall.
Colin Hall, Georgia Tech baseball commit, has been playing baseball for thirteen years. Wesleyan coach, Brian Krehmeyer said, “Colin has been one of the team’s top hitters in each of the three seasons he has played for Wesleyan.” In 2014 the Wolves went as far as the quarter finals, in 2015 they went to the state championship and in 2016 they went to state runner up. Hall holds the single season school record for doubles and is second on the list for total hits in one season. Hall will be attending Georgia Tech and playing baseball alongside his brother, Carter Hall (class of 2015) and father, Head Baseball Coach Danny Hall.
Natalie Armstrong, Samford University basketball commit, has been playing basketball at Wesleyan since she was in 7th grade and has been playing for other clubs since she was 7 years old. Armstrong’s average points per game has been 9.5 and she is averaging 8.5 rebounds per game. Armstrong is a strong player and asset to the Lady Wolves Varsity Basketball team. She is a part of Georgia’s All-County and All-State awards. Teammate, Junior Amaya Register said, “Natalie is an amazing player. She is a very good leader and I am excited to play with her during her senior year.”
Audrey Mangum, Lafayette College volleyball commit, said, “I’ve played volleyball at Wesleyan since 8th grade and I’ve been playing for GA5 for 5 years”. Mangum is a two time All-Area, All-Gwinnett County and All State player for Wesleyan School. As a libero, she hold the record for career digs with 1488 digs her whole career. Audrey “thanks her coaches, teammates, family and everyone else for supporting her.”
Elisa Yang, University of Georgia golf commit, plays for Berkeley Hills Country Club. “I’ve been playing for almost 8 years. I mainly play for Berkeley Hills Country Club,” said Yang when talking about where she golfs. She has won All State in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Yang has also achieved All-State Player of the year in 2016 along with Gwinnett County Super Six in both 2015 and 2016. She came second in the state in 2014 and finally is the top golfer in the state in 2015 and 2016. With “her low 18-Hole score, Elisa has broken this record eight times in her Wesleyan career,” said Wesleyan Coach Leslie Grogan. Yang is the first Wesleyan female golfer to be awarded with an athletic scholarship to play collegiate golf.
Noni Thompkins, Tennessee Tech University volleyball commit, has played varsity volleyball at Wesleyan for three years and has played for club for three seasons. She has “led the team” said Varsity Volleyball Coach, Ted Russell. She has a .331 hitting percentage in just her senior year, 2016-2017. Thompkins is this year’s All-Area, All-Gwinnett County, All-State and Senior All-Star participant. Thompkins is an exceptional middle and right side hitter.
