Tom DiDonato

Sport Ice Hockey

College Bowdoin College, because of its rich academic program, along with a nationally ranked Division III hockey team

My dream I have loved hockey since I was four years old and want to play it as long as I can. I have set a goal of helping Bowdoin win their first ever NESCAC title and ultimately the national championship. While in college I have thought about minoring in Italian and would love to play minor pro-hockey in Italy after my four years.

My NMH experience If it wasn't for the NMH athletic program, I probably wouldn't be at where I am today. I was always one of the better players on my teams in Pittsburgh but was physically small and never thought of playing college hockey. When I came to NMH the seniors took me under their wing in the weight room and on the ice. Practicing every day during hockey season is something else that helped me a lot. Playing amateur hockey before coming to NMH only offered two practices a week and I can tell you that extra ice time truly does make a difference. The coaches at NMH really helped me get to the next level. All three of my coaches played hockey in college and told me along the way what I needed to do to get to the next level. Coach Pratt was a great resource since he knows a lot of college coaches across the country from his college and pro career. I will always treasure my NMH experience for preparing me to get into a great school and to continue to play hockey at the college level.

Erika Loomer

Sport Volleyball

College Adelphi University

My dream It has always been my dream to play in college, and now that I have achieved that dream, my next dream to take what I have learned in high school to Adelphi and to the next level: a college coaching career. Through hard work, perseverance, determination, and heart I hope to lead my team to the NCAA tournament and maybe even a national championship.

My NMH experience My experience at NMH has been great. Coming into the school as a freshman onto a varsity team was a little intimidating, but from the moment I stepped onto the floor I knew this was the place for me. The support of all of my coaches encouraging me to do my best every day made me strive to be a better athlete. Through the years my game has expanded and I am grateful to my coaches and teammates. They have taught me what it means to be on a team. The competitive schedule forced me to play my best, no matter who the competition was. At NMH, I have had every opportunity to be successful, and that success not only means hard work and teamwork, but also having fun. You need to love what you do, and NMH has really made me love volleyball.

Carlyn Mehaffey-Coy

Sport Crew

College University of Pennsylvania

My dream is to challenge myself to be the best rower that I can be, to listen to my coaches, and to secure a seat for myself in the University of Pennsylvania's varsity boat. I strive to contribute to their rowing program and to help them win the NCAA championship.

My NMH experience My career at NMH as an athlete began when Mace Hemphill took a chance on me as a freshman and chose me to be on the varsity field hockey team. Mace's support gave me confidence as an athlete. In the spring of my freshman year, I decided to try out for rowing. Although I was nervous to try a sport I had never done before, the kids on the team were friendly and encouraging. The more I improved, the more I enjoyed it. Rowing has taught me the importance of each person's contribution during competition, as winning depends upon everyone giving their all. It is one of the few sports where there is no one star. A team wins or loses as a team. Although the competition between rowers to earn and keep a varsity seat is fierce, once you are in the boat you are no longer competing with one another, but become united against your opponent. My experience at NMH has taught me the importance of the bond developed between teammates, and of listening to my coaches.

David Rufful

Sport Basketball

College Dartmouth, because it offers the best combination of an Ivy League education with Division I basketball.

My dream I have been fortunate enough to have some early success in my life. I won eight state championships in Rhode Island playing both basketball and volleyball. In Rhode Island, I received the Most Valuable Player award in high school basketball two years in a row. Attending Dartmouth College next year is also a major achievement. I could say the story ends there. However, everyday I am fueled by a dream that every young basketball player hopes to reach. It's a dream that most kids are taught they shouldn't have or even talk about because people might laugh. It doesn't matter that the chances of it coming true are 0.000001%. As "Pistol" Pete Mavarich said to himself when he was twelve years old, "I'll get a scholarship to play college ball... then, I'll play in the pros and be on a team that wins a championship ring--oh, yeah, and they'll play me a million dollars."

My NMH experience has become much more than I expected. I simply thought I would come here and work hard in the classroom and dominate in sports. Then, I ended up taking classes such as Arabic that were very challenging. Then, I met kids from all around the world. My dad always used to tell me that having connections is one of the biggest things in life. Now, I can joke with my dad that I have connections in Nepal, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Moscow... you name it!

Andrew Van Nest

Sport Basketball

College Harvard University

My dream is to work hard and play basketball for as long as my body will let me, whether it ends after college, if I'm lucky enough to be drafted in the NBA, or head overseas in the European league--or even to be able to play basketball when I'm 50 at my local sports club!

My NMH experience Being an athlete at NMH means so much to me. When I wasn't being recruited by any colleges to play basketball, coach John Carroll and coach Bill Batty asked me to apply to NMH and after that I was set. I got to play against arguably the best competition in the United States, which made me into a completely different player. But the most valuable thing I took from NMH was that it doesn't matter what school you go to, whether it’s a Division I basketball powerhouse or the Ivy league, it’s what you make of your time there. If you're good enough at what you do, what ever it is, you will be successful.

Jessica Woodworth

Sport Soccer

College Saint Michael's College, Division II

My dream  I love the game of soccer and want to play it for as long as possible. With the return of women's professional soccer expected to begin in the spring 2009, I hope to continue to play. I would love to coach in the future, as well.

My NMH experience I came to NMH as a post-graduate student to play soccer and to further my academic standing. Being at NMH allowed me to train with a coach dedicated to goal-keeping.  The goal-keeper sessions were held four days a week and were co-ed. This experience allowed me to push myself and regain confidence I lost after an injury. Both the keeper coach and the varsity coach are amazing. The teachers, coaches and college counselors I have encountered have been extremely supportive and helpful in as I work to reach my goals. I have enjoyed my time at NMH as it has allowed me to grow as an athlete, academically, and as a leader.

Wilson Zinnurov

Sport Lacrosse

College Salisbury University, one of the best lacrosse programs in the country

My dream To keep playing lacrosse as long as I can

My NMH experience It’s been a good one, filled with ups and downs that have made me a more resilient athlete.