Bethel Park honored 34 student-athletes May 26 at its 17th annual College-Bound Student-Athlete Reception.
Athletic director Laura Grimm and assistant principal Brennan Hoffer welcomed attendees who will represent Bethel Park at 26 colleges, including three at both Point Park and Saint Vincent.
Assistant athletic director Tom Howell offered his congratulations.
“I am incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 student-athletes and where they will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at the next level,” Howell said. “It takes an extraordinary combination of talent, commitment and hard work to earn the opportunity to compete collegiately, something that only a small percentage of athletes ever achieve.
“It truly is amazing to see years of dedication pay off, and we couldn’t be prouder as an athletic department. The college-bound student-athlete ceremony is one of our favorite events each year because it celebrates those who love their sport so much that they are not ready to let it go. Instead, they are choosing to chase new heights, pursue greater achievements and set even bigger goals for themselves.”
A panel discussion at the event entitled “Success as a Collegiate Athlete” featured four Bethel Park alumni — Gavin Moul (2021), Carley O’Mara (2023), Dylan Schmude (2022) and Makenzie Wade (2024) — who shared their collegiate experiences in a Q&A session.
“Personally, as I complete my third year at Bethel Park, this is a class that I have had the privilege of watching up close,” Howell said. “I have had a front-row seat to their growth — not only as athletes, but as outstanding young men and women.
“Their impact on our programs, school and community has been tremendous. I just hope each of them understands the difference they have made in the lives of their coaches, teachers, teammates and everyone who has had the opportunity to support them along the way.”
The following student-athletes were honored:
Youssef Benrabia — Point Park (men’s soccer)
Michael Bruckner — Akron (baseball)
Jenna Carroll — Seton Hill (equestrian)
Jacob Coffield — Thiel (men’s soccer)
Isabella Coleman — Waynesburg (women’s basketball)
Morgan Cook — Ohio Northern (women’s lacrosse)
Cara Cummings — Point Park (softball)
Callee Dalbon — Akron (women’s soccer)
David Dennison — Slippery Rock (football)
Evan Devine — West Liberty (football)
Gavin Edkins — University of Indianapolis (men’s lacrosse)
Autumn Flowers — Seton Hill (women’s track & field)
Matthew Hughes — Coppin State (baseball)
Kahamu’ola Kuewa — West Liberty (football)
Santino LaMolinare — Duquesne (football)
Brady McCarthy — Duquesne (men’s track & field)
Bryan McGuire — Colby College (football)
Zachary Mingo — Chatham (men’s lacrosse)
Karsyn Mitchell — Saint Vincent (women’s swimming & diving)
Makayla O’Neill — Allegheny (women’s cross country, track & field)
Isabella Parker — Mercyhurst (cheer)
Scotlyn Paxton — Lake Forest College (women’s lacrosse)
Julia Ratti — Mount Union (women’s swimming & diving)
Nicholas Rillo — Marietta (baseball)
Courtney Roberts — Saint Vincent (softball)
Ketra Ross — Washington & Jefferson (women’s tennis)
Luke Rubican — PennWest California campus (men’s soccer)
Charlie Simmons — Grove City (football)
Jovian Smith — Indiana (Pa.) (football)
Sia Spano — Charleston, W.Va. (softball)
Vivian Thieroff — Bethany (women’s soccer)
Madison Timms — Saint Vincent (softball)
Owen Turoski — La Roche (baseball)
Peter Velisaris — Point Park (men’s lacrosse)
Seven members of last year’s football team at will continue their careers at the next level. Five athletes plan to continue playing lacrosse in college.
Five also plan to extend their soccer careers in college. Four members of the 2026 baseball team also plan to extend their careers as college athletes.
Howell had a message for all 34 college-bound student-athletes.
“This is your moment. Soak it in, celebrate it, and then go create many more memories and accomplishments at the next level,” he said. “Remember, you’ll always be a Black Hawk first, so be sure to come back and visit.
“Congratulations Class of 2026. And as always, ‘Let’s Go Hawks.’”