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Celebrating Student-Athletes on their College Commitments

4/11/2024

Collegiate School’s Director of Athletics Andrew Stanley, coaches, teammates and families gathered in the Craigie Board Room to celebrate four student-athletes from the Class of 2024 for their commitment to continuing their careers as NCAA athletes. Congrats, Cougars! You make us proud.

LJ BOOKER, FOOTBALL, VIRGINIA TECH

“For a while now, since about 7th or 8th Grade, I knew that LJ was going to be an absolute stud of an athlete. But the one word that came to mind over and over again as I was preparing these remarks was the word resilient. Whether battling a knee injury or dealing with a broken forearm, LJ always came back over and over again. That’s what football sometimes does. It presents challenges, and LJ continued to show up. That is the epitome of resiliency. We couldn’t be more excited to see you play in Blacksburg at Lane Stadium. The sky is the limit for you. Congratulations.”

-Collin McConaghy, Head Coach

HARRISON BRAY, SOCCER, ILLINOIS TECH

“Beginning his soccer career with an ACL injury, Harrison has been resilient. He has been an incredible teammate. Different games call for different requirements from our players, and Harrison is always willing and able to step up in that regard. He was part of three great teams for us, and he played an important role in our success. We’re so excited to see what he does with soccer at the next level.”

-Rob Ukrop, Head Coach

OLIVIA D'AMBROSIA, TRACK AND FIELD, WASHINGTON AND LEE

“Olivia has been a committed member of the track program since she first started organized sports in Middle School, and she’s always been willing to step in wherever she’s needed. Even though she spent most of her time competing in the shorter sprinting events such as the 55 meter dash and the 300 meter run, Olivia has always fully understood the team element of the sport. She’s always willing to try a new event if it might help the team. Please help me congratulate Olivia as she takes the next step in her athletic career at the collegiate level of competition.”

-Beth Kondorossy, Head Coach

THOMAS WORD, SOCCER, HAMPDEN-SYDNEY

“Thomas is a great, supportive teammate. A role player in three championship seasons, Thomas embodies what our soccer program is all about. He does incredible things for our team — both on and off the field. He holds a Collegiate record for best win percentage as starting goalkeeper, which is crucial to our team. He’s had an incredible career here, and I’m so proud to see him compete next year at Hampden Sydney.”

-Rob Ukrop, Head Coach

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