Kingswood Oxford held a celebration on its West Hartford campus for the 19 students who will continue as student-athletes at the collegiate level.
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Nineteen Kingswood Oxford student-athletes – including five who are West Hartford residents – made their college choices official on May 7 at a celebration ceremony on campus. These students represent 20% of the graduating class at Kingswood Oxford.
Rhandyn Bair ‘24 is off to play Division I football for the Rhode Island Rams next fall. Bair had back-to-back 50 reception seasons, led the team in receptions, and received yards. He is a two-time All-New England first-team award winner, two-time All-Evergreen winner, and recipient of the Kingwood Oxford Offensive MVP award twice. University of Rhode Island football coaches said they are pleased to add Rhandyn as a future Ram and are excited to see what he can do when he gets to campus in Kingston.
Chief Ebana ‘24 will continue his football career playing Division I for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. The defensive lineman was named to the All-Evergreen League First Team twice, first team All-NEPSAC, and won Evergreen Lineman of the Year and NEPSAC Lineman of the Year. He completes his KO career with 113 tackles, 34 TFL, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal. Coach Brandon Batory calls Ebana a leader and hard worker, with an unparalleled commitment to excellence. “Chief is leaving KO as one of the best defensive linemen in our history.” UNH Head Coach Rick Santos said, “Chief is a force in the trenches and imposes his will on his opponents with his style of play. He has a great first step and is very strong at the point of attack. We are very excited to add him to the family.”
Nathan Bowes ‘24 is headed to Division I Sacred Heart University to play baseball for the Pioneers. Bowes has earned All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention and All-Founders League. He was named to three all-conference teams, was a two-time Connecticut player of the week, and was named to the WWBA Georgia All-Tournament team. The KO baseball coaches say that Nate has been an instrumental part of the KO Baseball team’s success over the past two years, and his passion for the game is infectious. Bowes currently leads the team in hits, triples, home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentages. Sacred Heart University Head Coach Pat Egan said, “We are excited to welcome Nate Bowes to the Pioneer baseball family this fall. Nate exhibits all the characteristics of what we look for in our student-athletes here at Sacred Heart.”
Sam Cote ‘24 is off to play soccer at Emmanuel College, where he will compete for the Division III Saints. While at KO, Cote was awarded the coaches award, being named a WNEPSSA All-Star, and All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention while helping to lead two teams to postseason tournaments and two FSA teams to Nationals. Saints Assistant Coach Shane Ebanks said, “It’s been a pleasure getting to know Sam throughout the recruiting process. He will add attacking quality to the group and is a high-character guy. We’re very excited to have him in the fall.”
Damian Czartoryjski ‘24 will be joining the swimming program at Division I Bucknell University next year. Czartoryjskihas racked up accolades, including MVP, the Babcock Award, and the YMCA National Champion in the 200-yard Freestyle. He has set and reset school records in the 200 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, and the 400 Freestyle Relay. Bucknell Head Coach Dan Schinnerer said, “Damian has had a very successful high school and club career capped with his recent YMCA National title. His best events put him in a position to be a strong individual contributor to our team and likely a contributor to our relays in his first season with us.”
Grant Daigle ‘24 will play Division III men’s Soccer for Gettysburg next year. Daigle has won the MVP award and earned All-State recognition. Daigle will graduate, scoring 32 goals for the Wyverns over the past two seasons. Gettysburg Head Coach Mark Mettrick said, “We are very pleased that Grant has committed to playing for our soccer team. We think he has a very good work ethic, alongside good pace and athleticism, and has the skill to create and score goals. We feel he is a great fit for us in terms of character and personality.”
Dom DiNuzzo ‘24 is off to play Division I Football for Valparaiso University. KO Head Coach Brandon Batory describes Dom as the “hardest worker in the room, always on time, passionate and devoted. A fantastic example of commitment and hard work in season and off-season.” DiNuzzo excelled at the TE position his senior season with an explosive 22.9 yards per reception, including a 60-yard touchdown that was the highlight of the under-the-lights game at KO. Valparaiso Offensive Coordinator Matthew Symmes said, “We are extremely excited to add Dom to our football program this fall. Dom’s athleticism, catch radius, and competitiveness are all very exciting to us. He has a bright future with Valpo football.”
Chuck Hare ‘24 will matriculate to the College of the Holy Cross Crusaders as a member of the Division I Men’s basketball program. KO Head Basketball coach Brad Seaman said, “Chuck epitomizes everything we value at KO. As a co-captain and starting center, he not only showcased his talent on the court but also his leadership off it. In his two years here, Chuck has not only left an indelible mark on Wyvern basketball but also instilled a culture of excellence and camaraderie. He’s certainly left enormous shoes to fill, but more importantly, he’s left a legacy that will endure for years to come.” Hare has won the most improved player award as well as All-KIT First Team and All-NEPSAC Second Team. Holy Cross Head Coach Dave Paulsen said, “We’re thrilled to have Chuck join our Holy Cross basketball family. He embodies all the values we cherish; an excellent student, a selfless teammate, and an extremely hard worker. Most importantly, he is a phenomenal human being.”
Sean Habeeb ‘24 is off to Division III Muhlenberg College, where he will play baseball for the Mules. Habeeb was given the most improved player award. The KO baseball coaches said Habeeb’s “hard work on and off the field has made him a true asset to the program. He is the epitome of a team player with his ability to start at second base, play shortstop, and start or pitch relief on the mound. Not only does this demonstrate his versatility, but his dedication to do whatever he can to help the team win.” Sean is batting .267 with a .425 OBP, which is fourth on the team. He has been walked seven times and has scored 11 runs. On top of all of that, he has pitched 14 innings for the Wyverns this season, striking out 11 and holding a 3.50 era. Muhlenberg Head Coach Tod Gross said, “We are excited to bring Sean into our program here at Muhlenberg College both on the field and in the classroom, and look forward to seeing him grow both on and off the field.”
John Kumpa ‘24, a West Hartford resident, is off to Division III Dickinson College to play baseball for the Red Devils. The KO coaches said that Kumpa has developed into one of the team’s best hitters, who leads by example with his positive attitude, hard work, and love for the game. They remarked that players gravitate towards Kumpa because of his humble personality and his positive support towards every player on the team. He was awarded the coaches award playing at KO and is batting an impressive .487 this season. Dickinson Head Coach Craig Hanson said, “We are excited to add John to the Dickinson baseball family. He is an advanced hitter who uses the whole field and could potentially be a middle-of-the-order threat in our lineup, hitting for both power and average. Defensively, he has good actions and a strong arm. We are excited to get to work with him in the fall.”
Anissa Lewis ‘24 will continue her impressive sports career at Gordon College, where she will compete in Division III women’s track and field. A sprinter, jumper, thrower, and the anchor for the 4×100 relay, Lewis has done it all. The winner of a most improved runner award, Lewis has placed first in the 100 meter and 200 meter and took third place in the long jump at MRC Track and Field Series in 2022. KO Coach Trish Watson said, “Anissa is a very strong athlete with skills in the long jump, triple jump, sprints, and the 4×100 relay. She is a captain of the team and strives to help others learn the difficult techniques of a sprinter, including block work, hand-offs, starts, and speed workouts. She was able to experience Gordon College two years ago while competing for our team at New Englands. We look forward to seeing her track career continue at the collegiate level.” Gordon Head Coach Mickey Miela said, “We could not be more excited to welcome Anissa into our track family. Her commitment to her faith, mixed with her gifted ability in this sport, make her the perfect fit for Gordon College and our track program.”
Georgia Louis ‘24, a West Hartford resident, will play women’s soccer for the Division III Clark University Cougars next year. KO Head Coach Sal Penta said, “Georgia has been an invaluable soccer player here at KO for the last four years. A two-year captain, she has led by example on and off the field, inspiring her teammates always to perform their best. Her positive effect on the program will be remembered for a long time!” Louis was also a MVP, voted to the All-Founders League team, and was an All-Star. Clark University Head Coach Brienne Smith said, “We are beyond excited about Georgia. She works extremely hard, is relentlessly competitive, and has a next level desire to win. We believe she is the type of athlete and person who can help bring our program to new heights. We are grateful that she has decided to join the CUWS family!”
Odin Malz ‘24 will play men’s basketball for the Division III Wheaton College Lyons next year. Malz was a second-team All-KIT member and a Mass Elite Standout player. KO Head Coach Brad Seaman said, “Odin epitomizes the true spirit of KO basketball. As co-captain and starting power forward, he showcased his exceptional skills on the court and his unwavering leadership off it. In just two years, Odin has reshaped the landscape of Wyvern basketball and left an enduring legacy of excellence and unity.” Wheaton Head Coach Brian Walmsley said, “Getting to know Odin this past year, we are confident that Wheaton is getting a person who has a great passion for basketball and will be a well-liked teammate. He fits perfectly with our established culture, in which we recruit really good kids who love working on their game and being extremely competitive.”
Adam Merritt ‘24, a West Hartford resident, is headed to Division I University of Massachusetts, where he will be playing baseball for the Minutemen. The pitcher has earned most improved player honors as well as All-Founders League honorable mention. Merritt has a 4-1 record this year off of five starts. He holds a 2.24 ERA over the 25 innings pitched, striking out 34 batters. KO coaches said, “Adam’s dedication and hard work in the offseason has made a huge difference in his confidence on the mound. Not only has his pitching helped KO stay near the top of the Founders League, but also his bat.” UMASS Head Coach Matt Reynolds said, “We are thrilled to welcome Adam to our program this coming fall. Adam is a very talented young man who will be a great addition to both our program and our University.”
Will Slayton ‘24 is off to the University of Saint Joseph, where he will compete for the Division III Blue Jays men’s soccer program. He is a two-time NEPSAC All-star, coaches award recipient, and CIAC All-conference goalkeeper. Slayton posted nine clean sheets throughout his career at KO, conceding just 1.5 goals per contest. St. Joseph Head Coach Paul Wright said, “We are thrilled to be adding Will to our roster in 2024. Will is an excellent goalkeeper with great technical ability. His communication skills are exemplary, and I’m convinced he will immediately strengthen our program.”
Ella Sokale ‘24, a West Hartford resident, is off to Division III Johnson and Wales to play Women’s Soccer next year. Sokale has played at attacking midfield and striker where she earned ALL-WWNEPSSA, All-Founders League, and was named an all-star as well as being named to the Central Connecticut Conference All-Academic team. Johnson and Wales Head Coach Chris Flint said “Technical, great vision, shot power, versatility, and determination – these are a few of the many qualities Ella will bring to JWU in the fall. In Ella, we saw a player with incredible potential. We wanted soccer players with versatility who were hungry to come in and help us reach a new level, and Ella is the definition of just that.”
Olivia Stevens ‘24 will play women’s basketball for the Ithaca College Bombers next year. The point guard averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game during her time at KO. Stevens was a two-year captain, the team MVP, and was nominated to the class B All-Star game. KO Head Coach Quinn O’Brien said, “Aside from her talent, Liv has been a tremendous leader for our program both on and off the court, whether able to play or not, whose presence in the program led to multiple winning seasons and career-winning record. During her time at KO, she lifted up her teammates and the program to a new level of success and expectations. Her impact will be remembered and sorely missed.” Ithaca Head Coach Dan Raymond said, “Olivia is a welcome addition to our women’s basketball program. The energy and enthusiasm Olivia is bringing are something we are very excited about, and Olivia will be the perfect addition to our Ithaca family.”
Loretta Szych ‘24 is becoming a Dickinson College Red Devil. Off to play Division III women’s tennis at the college, she has played at both #1 singles and #1 doubles during her KO career. The team captain for three years in high school, Szych is also the recipient of the coaches award, two MVPs, made the All-Founders League team and was All-NEPSAC honorable mention. KO Head Coach Ron Garcia said, “Loretta is a tremendous competitor and leader. She has been instrumental in our team, leading the Founders League in wins last season and earning the #1 seed in the NEPSAC class B tournament this year.” Dickinson Red Devil Head Coach Aaron Wilf said, “We are excited to add Loretta to our team here at Dickinson next year. She is part of an outstanding incoming class, and we expect them to make huge contributions both on and off the tennis courts.”
Elijah Wells ‘24, a West Hartford resident, will continue his baseball career playing for the Division III Johnson and Wales University Wildcats. Wells has earned the coaches award throughout his time at KO. The KO coaches remarked on how Wells’s positive, hard-working attitude makes him a huge part of the team’s chemistry and culture. Johnson and Wales Head Coach Kevin Casey said, “Our coaching staff is excited to be adding Elijah to our baseball program next fall and is looking forward to watching the positive impact that he will have not only on the baseball field, but also in the Johnson & Wales University community over the next four years. It is always nice to have a player from such a successful baseball program and high school like Kingswood Oxford – Elijah has displayed the character, toughness, and motivation needed to succeed.”
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