As more Xavier seniors open college acceptance letters and decide where to spend the next four years, they take many factors are into account. For some of Xavier’s star athletes, this includes finding a school to pursue both athletics and education.

Due to their Division 1 status and top notch coaches, Xavier has an excellent record of producing girls capable of playing sports at the country’s top academic and athletic schools. In the Class of 2016 alone, at least 15 girls will continue playing their respective sports in college. I caught up with four student athletes who are playing  college sports to find out about their plans for next year.

Caitlyn Dickman: Softball

“How and when did you start playing your sport?”

I was in second grade, and my classmate’s father was putting a team together and asked if I wanted to play.  Not knowing much about the sport, I said yes. I started pitching when I was nine, the age when I fell in love with the sport.  I started when I was seven and never looked back.

“Where will you be playing/attending school next year?”

Villanova University

“What will you miss most about high school sports?”

One of the biggest things I will miss about high school sports is my teammates.  My teammates have become my family and the ones who understand everything that goes into being a student athlete.

“Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for playing in college?”

I’m most excited about being able to live out one of my biggest goals of being a college athlete. Also, living in a completely new environment at my dream school is going to be an amazing experience.

Alexis Allard: Soccer

“How and when did you start playing your sport?”

I started playing soccer when I was five years old. I started playing soccer because my dad played for a majority of his life, and he even played semi-pro for a little bit. He really influenced me to get into the game.

“Where will you be playing and attending school next year?”

I will be going to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado.

“What will you miss most about high school sports?”

The thing that I will miss most about high school soccer is all the friendships I have created. It is easy for other athletes to understand that friendships made through a sport are friendships that will last a lifetime. I am so thankful to have played with such amazing players these past four years.

“Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for playing in college?”

Actually, one of my club teammates is going to be my roommate in college, so I am extremely excited to get the chance to continue playing with her. I am also excited for all the new exposure and friends I will make.

Allie Worrall: Swimming

“How and when did you start playing your sport?”

I started swimming in fourth grade because my friends swam.

“Where will you be playing and attending school next year?”

I will be swimming at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln next year.

“What will you miss most about high school sports?”

I will miss my team the most. We always had so much fun, which took a lot of the the seriousness and nerves out of swimming.

“Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for playing in college?”

I look forward to experiencing a higher level of swimming and reaching my goals.

Kristen Largay: Volleyball

“How and when did you start playing your sport?”

In 5th grade I started to play for my middle school team.

“Where will you be playing and attending school next year?

American University in Washington, D.C.

“What will you miss most about high school sports?”

There’s a lot of things that I will miss from playing high school sports. Being able to play volleyball with the people you go to school with is a really cool opportunity. I know that I will miss my high school coaches and teammates the most.

“Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for playing in college?”

I’m excited to meet new people that I already have something in common with. I’m also excited to travel around the United States and represent my school.