Student athletes commit to collegiate athletic programs

Congratulations to the athletes who participated in our Signing Days throughout the 2024-25 school year to celebrate their intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. 

 

Ava Strange

Ava Strange signed to play volleyball at Fairmont State University. The Falcons are an NCAA Division II affiliate and members of the Mountain East Conference. Ava is a four-year volleyball player for the Rockets and was a three-year varsity contributor. Her consistency helped lead the Rockets to two District Championships in three seasons, a remarkable run to the state finals last year, and a regional runner-up title this season. Although she was plagued by some injuries along the way, she still managed to amass 375 kills, for the 11th all-time record in the program. She was recognized as an Honorable Mention All-GCL Coed as a senior, ranked 12th at her position in the state of Ohio, was a Top-5 prospect for Prep Dig, Academic All District, represented in the Cincinnati Senior All Star Showcase, and was recognized as Cincinnati Enquirer Player of the Week. 

 

AJ Gundler

AJ Gundler signed to play baseball at Lincoln Trail Junior College. The Statesman are affiliates of the National Junior College Athletic Association and members of the Great Rivers Athletic Conference. AJ has been a key piece to the Rockets baseball program for the last three seasons and has is also a multisport athlete with success in the football and basketball programs. As a sophomore on the baseball team, he hit over 300, stole 14 bases, and scored 22 runs and in his junior season, he stole 16 bases and scored 19 runs. As a sophomore and junior he was awarded 2nd Team All-GCL honors while earning his two varsity letters. He will be a key leader to the success of the spring season for the team this year. 

 

Abby Glace

Abby Glace signed to run cross country and track at Thomas More University. The Saints are a newer NCAA Division II affiliate and members of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference with league member schools in Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan. Abby has run cross country for six years consecutively and been a member of the Rocket cross country and track programs as a four-year varsity runner. She has been an instrumental part of the cross country team and her leadership abilities and determination helped her to place 16th overall at the GCL Coed Championships in both her junior and senior year earning her 3rd team all-league honors. In track, she was a key piece her junior year to the 4x800 relay team that earned the District Championship crown and qualified for a spot at the OHSAA Regional Championship. As a student at Thomas More next year, Abby intends to pursue her degree in nursing. 

 

Jack Kelly

Jack Kelly signed to play lacrosse at Marietta College. The Pioneers are a Division III affiliate of the NCAA and members of the Ohio Athletic Conference. Jack is a captain of the lacrosse program for the Rockets and is the most decorated goalie in McNicholas history over his first three seasons. He earned 2nd team all-league as a sophomore and 1st team all-league and All Region recognition as a junior. In his junior year, he had 217 saves ranking 17th in state history for saves in a season. His work ethic, passion, and desire to be good separate him and have afforded him this opportunity. 

 

Caleb Moore

Caleb Moore also signed to play lacrosse at Marietta College. This is the first time lacrosse players have signed to play at the same college in the same graduating class. The Pioneers are a Division III affiliate of the NCAA and members of the Ohio Athletic Conference. Caleb is a multi-sport athlete and a captain for wrestling and lacrosse teams for the Rockets. He is a three-year varsity player and has earned 2nd team all-league in his sophomore and junior seasons. He was also Team MVP of the defense and honorable mention all-region his junior year when he was 10th overall in the league in forced turnovers. He is also a member of the All Ohio Team True Lacrosse. 

 

Mia Nienaber

Mia Nienaber signed to play basketball at University of Virginia's College at Wise located in Wise, VA. The UVA Wise Cavaliers are a NCCAA Division II affiliate and members of the South Atlantic Conference. Mia has been a four year varsity basketball player for the Rockets. She has been a leader in the basketball program leading the Rockets to nine tournament game victories, back-to-back district championship appearances, and a district title. Mia is a two-time 1st team GCL All-League as a junior and senior, 2nd team All-League as a sophomore, and 1st team All-District, and honorable mention All-State. As a guard, she has led the Rockets in scoring the last three seasons and made 156 three pointers in her high school career. For her efforts, she earned her way into the 1,000-point club this season. 

 

Nate Colyer

Nate Colyer signed to play baseball at Ohio Wesleyan University. The Battling Bishops are a NCAA Division III affiliate and members of the North Coast Athletic Conference. Nate is a three-sport athlete and still earned this opportunity to play at the collegiate level. In football, he earned 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-District, 2nd Team All-City, 3rd Team All-State, and tied the school record for interceptions in a career. In basketball, he earned the title of best defensive player on the team for his efforts as a shutdown defender. His defensive skills carried over into his baseball career where he has earned the team's best pitcher and the MVP awards as well as 2nd Team All-GCL honors. 

 

Ethan Childs

Ethan Childs signed to play baseball at Ohio Northern University. The Polar Bears are a NCAA Division III affiliate and members of the Ohio Athletic Conference. Ethan spent three years at Moeller before joining the Rockets his senior year playing five games on the mound so far this season. 

 

Jay Clifton

Jay Clifton signed to play volleyball at Illinois Wesleyan University. The Titans are a NCAA Division III affiliate and play in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Jay has played a pivotal role as a front line player in the Rockets volleyball program. Over the last three seasons, the Rockets have won 51 games, two regional championships, back-to-back state final fours, and the program's first ever state title. This season they are currently 12-1 and lead the GCL Coed with an undefeated record. Jay is a four year varsity player and has also played on the highest performance team for Cincinnati Attack Club Volleyball the last three seasons. He has played a leadership role with a cool demeanor and killer instincts. 

 

Ethan Gundrum

Ethan Gundrum signed to play volleyball at Baldwin Wallace University. The Yellow Jackets are a NCAA Division III affiliate and members of the Ohio Athletic Conference. Ethan's presence on the floor has helped build up the program over the last four years. He is a four-year starter on varsity and has earned 1st or 2nd team All-GCL honors the first three years, All-District and All-State. In addition to being a state champion for the Rockets, Ethan has also won a National championship in club volleyball.