Two Conard seniors signed their letters in a ceremony at the West Hartford school on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015.

By Ronni Newton

Elise Youmans (left) and Elena Santos signed National Letters of Intent to play college soccer on Thursday at Conard High School in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Two Conard seniors who captained the girls soccer team during the 2014 season were joined by their families, friends, coaches, and staff, as they signed National Letters of Intent Thursday afternoon to finalize commitment to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level.

Elena Santos (right) with her mom, Lisa Audet, at the signing ceremony. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Elena Santos, who committed to play soccer for Division I Fairfield University in November of her junior year, made that commitment final when she signed the letter Thursday. She said that she had looked at other schools, including Syracuse and Villanova, but has known the Fairfield coach for a long time and felt that the school would be a good fit.

Santos will replace another West Hartford native as right defender on the Stags roster next fall. Megan O’Brien, Hall ’11, will graduate from Fairfield this May.

Elise Youmans signed her Letter of Intent to play for Division II Brevard College in Brevard, NC. She said she looked at some other schools as well, but “Brevard was it.”

West Hartford Athletic Director Betty Remigino-Knapp congratulated both athletes at the signing cermony. She said that Santos, who was a four-year varsity started and one of the leading goal scorers, “would have probably broken records if she had not broken her clavicle during one of the games this year.”

Elise Youmans (left, seated) and her family at the signing ceremony at Conard. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“Elise was a varsity starter the last two seasons, and had three shutouts this season,” Remigino-Knapp said.

Santos said that her injury is now healed, and she has returned to playing with her club team.

Santos and Youmans were two of Conard’s three captains last fall. The other tri-captain, Brianna Grande, will play lacrosse for Southern Connecticut State University next year.

“I’m really excited for these girls. They will not easily be replaced,” Remigino-Knapp said.

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