Five MMAthletes Commit to Collegiate Sports on National Signing Day

On November 9, 2022, Merion Mercy Academy joined private and public high schools across the country for National Signing Day, the first day of the National Letter of Intent signing period for college sports. This year, five Merion Mercy seniors were recognized for signing an NLI to continue their athletic and academic careers at the Division 1 level in college next year. 

During the ceremony, Director of Athletics Shannon Fisher said, “We are delighted to honor these amazing, confident young women who have committed to furthering their athletic careers beyond high school. We are celebrating their commitment to their future schools and their dedication and contributions to the Merion Athletic Department. They have all sacrificed and dedicated themselves to being the best they can be and join the ranks of many legendary Golden Bears that have come before them.”

This fall’s signers were:

Grace Flood, University of Vermont, Field Hockey. Grace has been a member of the field hockey program for four years and served as one of the captains this fall. She was named the Most Improved Player in 2019, the same year the team won the Catholic League Championship and the District 1 Championship. In 2020 and 2021, Merion made it to the District semifinals, and qualified for the state tournament in 2021 and 2022. Grace trains in her free time with Relentless Strength Athletics and plays for the WC Eagles Field Hockey Club. Her U19 team was the 2021 USA Field Hockey National Indoor Tournament Champions. 

At Merion Mercy, Grace is a member of Women for Life and Love and Mercy Mission Corps, and is on the Pennsylvanians for Human Life Student Leadership Board.

Head Field Hockey Coach Chloe Lucky, says this of Grace:

“Grace possesses a strong work ethic and motivation to succeed. She is a natural leader on and off the field. She is a motivated and resilient athlete which sets her apart from many others.”

 

Kerry McCormick, Old Dominion University, Field Hockey. Along with Grace, Kerry served this fall as one of the captains for the varsity field hockey team. She has also been a dedicated member of the lacrosse team at Merion Mercy. She was named the team’s MVP for both field hockey and lacrosse during her junior year, and received a Coaches’ Award nod for both sports during her sophomore year. This past spring, Kerry received PASLA (PA State Lacrosse Association) All Academic honors, along with AACA All Star recognition for both lacrosse and field hockey. Kerry received All Main Line Second Team distinction along with the PA Field Hockey Coaches’ All State Honorable Mention. 

In addition to being a two sport athlete at Merion, Kerry plays club field hockey for the WC Eagles. She serves on MMA’s Student Council and is in the National Honors Society. This past fall, she was named to the High School National Academic Squad by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association. 

Coach Lucky says: 

“Self-confident, motivated, passionate, and committed are just a few words I would use to describe Kerry as an athlete. She is innately self-confident and truly believed that she and the Merion field hockey team could win any game. Day in and day out, she came ready to work hard and give it her all out on the field.” 

 

Mary Kate Gray, Cornell University, Rowing. During her sophomore year, Mary Kate and the Novice 4+ boat finished in first place at City Championships. During her junior year, her Varsity 4+ boat took second place at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, first place at Cities, and ninth place at Youth Nationals. In addition to being a talented rower, Mary Kate also plays basketball for the Golden Bears. 

Mary Kate is involved in the Environmental Club, the Ministry Team, the National Art Honors Society, and the Mercy Mission Corps. For the past three years, she has earned Academic Distinguished Honors at Merion Mercy and is a member of the National Honor Society. 

Head Crew Coach, Joe Malone, had this to say:

 “Mary Kate, team captain and leader, simply never quits. Her grit and determination have put her at the top of our team and earned her a spot at a great rowing university, Cornell.”

 

Caitlyn Gregitis, Fairfield University, Rowing. Caitlyn’s rowing resume includes first place in Novice 4 during her sophomore year, and during her junior year in the Second Varsity 8 boat she won continuous first place finishes in the Philly Flicks and a second place finish at City Championships.

Caity is in the National Honors Society, Social Studies Honor Society, and National Art Honors Society. She is the leader of the environmental club, and a member of the Spirit Club and the Ministry team. She is a certified lifeguard and is also involved in Mercy Mission Corps.

Coach Malone says:

“Caity always has a positive outlook and brings her boatmates up with her daily. She’s been an incredible role model for her teammates, especially younger rowers. She’s fought hard this fall and her efforts paid off, landing a seat in the varsity 8 for our final weekend of racing.”

 

Caroline “Charlie” Szlachta, Boston University, Rowing. Charlie has earned gold and silver medals in the Lightweight 4+ category at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, Philadelphia City Championships, and SRAA nationals. She also qualified for Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Florida. 

Charlie is the president of our National Honor Society and on the Distinguished Honor Roll. She is involved with the Math Honor Society, Art Honor Society, the Swole Sisters, and is a leader within the Environmental Club.

Coach Malone says:

“Team captain and leader, Charlie, eats, sleeps, and breathes rowing. She constantly studies this sport and has high expectations for herself and her teammates. BU is lucky to have such a hard worker in Charlie.”