On Thursday, April 20, the Athletics Department celebrated the eight members of the Class of 2023 who have committed to play collegiate sports. 

The Senior Athlete Celebration took place in the Warner Arena of the Olander Center for Student Life at the A.E. Finley Activity Center. Head of School Doreen Kelly and Athletic Director Ned Gonet made opening and closing remarks, respectively, and Assistant AD Jim Gibbons recognized each athlete and announced their plans. 

Congratulations to these students for their accomplishments in Ravens athletics and recruitment to the next level:

Deacon Adams ’23 — Lacrosse, Queens University

Deacon is a four-year varsity letterman for the Ravens on the lacrosse field as a long-stick midfielder. He is a two-time All-TISAC performer and the 2021 Coaches Award winner. He is also a three-time ALL-Big East Independent Conference selection on the gridiron as a wide receiver, defensive back and punter. Deacon will play lacrosse at Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Connor Aschman ’23 — Lacrosse, Centre College

Connor is a four-year varsity letter winner in lacrosse as an attackman. He was the 2022 Most Improved Player and an All-TISAC selection. He also earned two other varsity letters, one in soccer and one in cross country. Connor will play lacrosse at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky.

Nolan Dirks ’23 — Football, Kenyon College

Nolan was a three-year varsity letterman and 2022 captain for Coach Ned Gonet on the football field playing linebacker, tight end and fullback. He also won three varsity letters on the lacrosse field as a defenseman. Nolan will continue his football career for the Owl of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

Dakota Gordon ’23 — Basketball, Washington and Lee

Dakota is a two-time Most Valuable Player and letter-winner for Coach Kevin Billerman. He was named to the TISAC All-Conference team as a junior and senior and to the NCISAA 2023 4A All-State team this winter. Dakota’s athletic and academic performance was recognized earlier this school year when the Raleigh Sports Club named Dakota their student-athlete of the week at their March 1 luncheon. He was selected to participate in the 10th Annual North Carolina Private School All-Star Basketball Game, held at Providence Day School on Saturday, March 4. Dakota will continue his basketball career at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.

Kyle Hawkins ’23 — Football, Palmetto Prep

Kyle is a three-year varsity letterman and 2022 captain for Coach Ned Gonet. He was the 2022 Most Improved Award winner, leading his team to a 10-win season, and was recognized by his opposing coaches as a two-time All-Big East Independent Football Conference team member. Kyle also earned four letters on the baseball field as a pitcher and outfielder. He will continue his football career at Palmetto Prep in Columbia, South Carolina.

Harrison Poole ’23 — Basketball, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Harrison is a three-time letter winner and 2023 captain for Coach Kevin Billerman. He is a two-time All-TISAC selection and the team’s Coaches Award winner in 2023. Harrison will continue his basketball career at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

William Stevenson ’23 — Football, Wagner College

William is a three-year varsity letterman for Coach Ned Gonet, a 2022 captain and the team’s Most Valuable Player. He was recognized by his opposing coaches as the 2022 Big East Independent Player of the Year last fall and is a three-time All-Big East Independent Football Conference team selection. He also earned two letters in track & field, earning ALL-TISAC honors, and was the 2022 Most Improved Award winner. William will continue his football career for the Seahawks of Wagner College in Staten Island, New York.

Mia Strazzella ’23 — Cross Country, Fairfield University

Mia earned six letters over three sports, playing basketball, field hockey and track & field as a Raven. She was the field hockey team’s 2021 Most Improved Award winner and a two-time All-TISAC selection. She was a 2022 All-TISAC and All-Region selection in soccer. Mia will run cross country for the Stags of Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.