Written by features editor Ben Manspile

Typically speaking, high school athletes who wish to play sports at the collegiate level commit during or after their senior season.

This year however, a few Godwin students have already committed before reaching their senior year. Among them are Abby Bostian, Caroline Cipolla, and Claire and Paige Franks.

The Franks sisters have both committed to play soccer at the University of Tennessee.

Paige, a freshmen, committed before her first semester as a high school student had even finished.

“Even though I’m a freshman, I am really excited and blessed to be committed to such an amazing school,” said Paige, “I have worked so hard and after looking at other colleges, I have realized that playing at a Division I college was perfect for making me a better player in the future.”

On March 25, Claire, a junior, also committed to Tennessee, where she will play alongside her sister.

“I’ve never been so happy and excited about a decision I’ve made before,” said Claire, “all my years of hard work have finally paid off and I’m really looking forward to spending my future at Tennessee and pursuing my dream of playing at the Division I level”

Junior, Abby Bostian, committed to play lacrosse at Christopher Newport University on Feb. 10.

“I chose CNU because not only do they have a very successful lacrosse program, but the campus is absolutely beautiful,” said Bostian, “I’m so excited about my commitment there and I wish I could start there tomorrow.”

Cipolla, a sophomore, committed to play soccer at Virginia Tech on Feb. 1 of this year, shortly after her first semester as a tenth grader.

“I love the coaching staff,” said Cipolla, “they are very nice coaches and they seem to have good relationships with their players. The team and players were a huge reason why I chose Tech because the girls on the team are so nice and they have always been welcoming to me; they seem like a family.”

Whether they are a semester away from playing in college, or three and a half years away. All of Godwin’s commits are very excited to play at the next level.

“I was ecstatic when I was offered,” said Cipolla, “it was a dream come true.”

Other Godwin seniors have committed to play in college as well. Senior, Taylor Kickler, recently committed to play college football at the Division three level.

Kickler, who was the Eagles starting quarterback, committed to play football at Guilford College next year.

“It’ll be a lot of fun, I’m really excited to continue to play football, but I will miss getting to play in front of my classmates here at Godwin,” said Kickler.