3 student-athletes commit to compete at a higher level

By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist

As they prepare for their final season on USN's baseball team, Townsend Stevenson '23 and Owen Block '23 committed to continue as teammates on the baseball team at Washington University in St. Louis. Both were said they were drawn to WashU for the sense of camaraderie they felt when meeting the current coach and players and for the excellent academic programming they'll be a part of as well. 

"I wanted to go where the best athletes could also be the best scholars," Owen shared. "Everything just felt right at WashU." 

"It's been a pleasure to coach both these guys," PE Teacher & Head Baseball Coach Mike Gimblette said. "The work Townsend put in outside of our season, battling physical and mental challenges, and to achieve as much as he has in four years, is really admirable."  

Gimblette continued by sharing, "Owen is what you call a player-coach; his ability to command his peers is something that will take him far, not just in college, but throughout life." 

Meanwhile, Collin France '23 wrapped up his basketball career as a Tiger with a commitment to play as a Brewer at Vassar College. 

"From the youngest age, I can say that I've always wanted to play college basketball, so this is an amazing opportunity," Collin said. 

Head Basketball Coach Mike Jones shared that Collin is unlike any player he'd coached before, offering that Collin is the only student he's had to encourage to relax.

"Collin's an extremely talented and skilled player, but also a player that will be incredibly successful at whatever he does because of that extreme work ethic," Jones said. 

In November, Lily Mozzi '23 and Auldyn Plant '23 signed letters of intent to bowl and run cross country, respectively. It is common for five or more student–athletes to sign college athletic commitment letters each year. USN has 21 alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2018 through 2022. To view a list of those alumni and the sports in which they are competing, click here.