Five MMA Athletes Commit to Division 1 Schools

Being recruited to play a varsity sport in college is no easy feat. In fact, only about 7% of high school athletes make it to the next level, and less than 2% go on to play at NCAA Division 1 schools. On November 13, 2024, Merion Mercy Academy celebrated National Signing Day, recognizing five students who have committed to collegiate athletics, all at Division 1 schools.

In her welcome, Shannon Fisher, Director of Athletics, said:

“We are grateful to gather together as a community today to honor these amazing, confident young women who have committed to furthering their athletic career beyond high school. We are celebrating their commitment to their future school and their dedication and contributions to the Merion Mercy Athletic Department. 

This fall’s signers were:

Reagan Anderson

Hometown: Newtown Square

School: University of Dayton

Sport: Rowing

MMA Highlights: 

• 2023-24 Coaches’ Award in rowing
• National Honor Society
• Math Honor Society
• Core ministry team member

Caroline Cawley

Hometown: Broomall

School: Bucknell University

Sport: Rowing

MMA Highlights: 

• Co-captain of the rowing team
• Leader of the Environmental Club
• National Honor Society
• National Latin Honors Society
• Recipient of the John T. Durkin, PhD, Memorial Scholarship

Maggie Dowd

Hometown: Newtown Square

School: Fairfield University

Sport: Field Hockey

MMA Highlights: 

• Captain of the field hockey team
• Member of the lacrosse team
• First Team All AACA and First Team All Main Line (Fall 2023)
• Field hockey team MVP (2023)
• Field hockey team Defender of the Year (2022)
• Second Team AACA All Star for lacrosse and All Main Line Honorable Mention  (Spring 2024)
• National Field Hockey Coaches Association) High School Scholar of Distinction
• PA Girls School Lacrosse Association) All Academic Team
• National Honor Society

Samantha Hendrzak

Hometown: East Norriton

School: University of Notre Dame

Sport: Rowing

MMA Highlights: 

• Co-captain of the rowing team
• National Honor Society 
• Science National Honor Society
• Math National Honor Society

Jane Staples

Hometown: Milmont Park

School: Georgetown University

Sport: Rowing

MMA Highlights: 

• Co-captain of the rowing team
• National Honor Society 
• History National Honor Society
• Latin Honor Society
• Math National Honor Society
• Core ministry team member
• Co-leader of the Environmental Club