NUTLEY, NJ (to be updated)– Eight senior student-athletes from Nutley High School gathered to announce their college choices on Friday, Feb. 9, at NHS.
The student-athletes are:
- Isabella Gonsiewski, LaSalle University, soccer
- Jillian DeSantis, LaSalle University, soccer
- Lauren Holden, University of Scranton, soccer
- Maisie Jelley, Ramapo College, soccer
- Ellie McCreesh, The College of New Jersey, cross-country and track and field.
- Jimmy Quinn, University of Richmond, cross-country and track and field.
- Frank DeMaio, Delaware Valley University, wrestling
- Dan Caraballo, Nichols College, baseball.
Joining them were family members, school administrators and coaches.
The following are comments from some of the athletes about their memories of competitng for Nutley High School and the reason for the collegiate decision.
Isabella Gonsiewski:
“My time here playing at Nutley was really enjoyable because of the girls and the teammates I got to play over the years. We became really good friends and it was a lot of fun. I am really excited to go to LaSalle, only because it fits me really well as a school. My coaches are really nice and respectful, and it’s also good in the major I endeavor in.” She will major in business major and hopes to pursue a master’s degree.”
Ellie McCreesh:
“I have had the best time running for NHS, and I made some of my closest friends through x-c and track. I just feel at home at TCNJ, and I can’t wait to start in the fall!”
Maisie Jelley:
“My memories from Nutley soccer will stick with me for the rest of my life. I’ll forever be grateful for playing on varsity since freshman year and playing with the amazing players that have gone through the program. All the wins and even the losses made the player and leader I am today and will continue to shape me as a collegiate athlete. I chose Ramapo for the good soccer program as well as a good education program which I hope to become a Phys Ed teacher and coach soccer, which I love.”
Frank DeMaio:
“My most memorable moment throughout my four years of being on the wrestling team has to be my freshman year when my team went a run in the sections and also broke the record for the most wins by a team in a season. Our team ended up making it to the state finals against Voorhees in a back-and-forth match. I was able to go out and wrestle and get a huge pin for our team which ended up tying up the match score. During this, I was able to hear our student section chant “He’s a freshman.
“The reason I chose Delaware Valley over the other colleges I visited was because of the overall experience I had during my visit. After meeting with coach James Wertman, I felt confident that his coaching style and overall values matched up with me best. I chose Delaware Valley because I feel that this school will give me the best chance at making me a better version of myself.”
Jimmy Quinn:
“The bonds I’ve made with my teammates are easily the most memorable experiences, considering the runs we all did together and workouts we’ve pulled each other through. Richmond was easily my top choice because of the high level coaching and competitive team atmosphere and the high level academics that are offered there. I’m excited for what the next four years will bring there, both athletically and academically.”
Lauren Holden:
“My memories of playing Nutley HS soccer are ones that will last me a lifetime. My favorite memory was in my freshman year when we beat West Morris to advance to the sectional title game and had a police escort back to the high school! I have had the opportunity to play with really awesome players, made great friends and the pasta parties were always so much fun! I have chosen the University of Scranton for their excellent business school reputation and it is the right fit for me.”
About the Author
Not happy with this article. My son was dan Caraballo and all he got was his name and school he was attending but others get pictures with parents and a write up interview. Not cool at all.