See whose skills earned them a spot on collegiate teams
Friends, families and teammates of four Burlington Township High School seniors crowded the media center the afternoon of Feb. 7, bearing witness to the acceptance of three soccer and one football scholarships to the students’ colleges of choice on National Signing Day.
National Signing Day, usually the first Wednesday of February, is traditionally the first day a high school senior can commit to a binding National Letter of Intent for a collegiate sport within the NCAA.
Nicole Binkley, joined by her parents, younger siblings and older sister, Amanda, via Facetime, received a D-1 offer to play soccer at Rutgers University. Binkley said she plans to study marine biology and coastal science.
“I could not feel more blessed to be given these opportunities and support throughout my life,” she said. “This passion for soccer means the most to me.”
Binkley’s teammate Gabriella Senni was also given the spotlight as she signed her offer from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. In addition to crushing it on the field in college, Senni plans to start in her freshman year. She plans to study biology and eventually earn a doctorate.
Davide Conigliaro, also a soccer player, accepted his offer from Cabrini University in Radnor, Pa. He plans to study international business at the D-3 school, where he hopes to start all four years and win a championship.
“Hard work and passion are the keys to success. Never give up on your dreams,” Conigliaro said.
Last but not least to sign was football player Russell Gawlak, who accepted a D-3 offer from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. The kicker plans to start all four years, study accounting and earn his CPA.
“Today is a stepping stone to these very special athletes’ future plans,” Athletic Director Pete Tyfer said. “They’re tremendous people, and they represent high character, hard work and respect that defines our program.”
