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congratulations Fall College Commits

CRAWFORD FISHER

Crawford credits her dad with first exposing her to lacrosse, since he always had it on the TV. A former college player himself, Mr. Fisher also coached a local youth league, and young Crawford was often brought along to practices. She didn’t pick up her own stick, though, until she played for the Hawks in seventh grade. It turns out, she liked it, and says it’s the fast pace and the combination of skills from other sports that makes it fun to play. Just two years later, Crawford made the varsity team as a freshman and began playing for a club team. Unfortunately, that was the “COVID year,” and our season was canceled before it really started. Crawford made up for lost time the next two seasons, scoring more than 60 goals and winning 50 draw controls. She earned All-Conference and All-State as a sophomore and a junior, and added 2nd Team All-Observer honors last year. More importantly, Crawford exemplifies the “team-first” attitude with her hard work, her consistency, and her willingness to play any role needed. And don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you – she is a fierce competitor who is not afraid to drive to the goal or box-out on a draw.

Crawford visited a lot of schools and realized that she preferred a smaller size but also wanted the opportunity to study abroad. Of course, strong academics and a competitive lacrosse program were factors as well. She found it all in Pennsylvania, where she spent a day with the team and saw how close the players were, and how much they enjoy playing lacrosse together. Next year, she’ll be among them as a Red Devil, learning and competing at Dickinson College. Congratulations Crawford!

BRYCE HOBEN

Curiosity drove Bryce to pick up his first lacrosse stick when he was around six years old, and it’s been a part of his life ever since. He particularly enjoys the fast pace and physicality of the sport. From his position as a goalie, Bryce says he feels in control of the flow of the game. He has started in goal for the varsity team since he was a freshman, exhibiting fearlessness and quickness between the pipes, and attaining a 55-percent save rate overall. Bryce brings enthusiasm and emotional energy to the team, even when he was sidelined last year with an injury and spent much of the season helping his teammates develop the skills needed to fill in as goalie. He has a heart for giving back to the sport with a willingness to volunteer at clinics and work as a coach with younger players. Bryce recognized early-on that he wanted to play collegiate lacrosse and he has put in the work necessary to achieve his goal, with a commitment to gaining strength and continually improving his technique.

When the time came to visit colleges, Bryce visited several schools during his junior year, but one stood out. He describes it as dream-like, being surrounded by fountains, modern buildings, and a state-of-the-art stadium that buzzed with energy... an energy that seemed to flow through all of campus. His decision may have been made even easier by a sense of familiarity, since Bryce’s brother, Collin, was already playing lacrosse there. We look forward to having Bryce back in goal fully healthy with the Hawks this year, before he makes the transition to collegiate lacrosse at High Point University. Congratulations Bryce!

DAVIS SAYMAN

Davis doesn’t remember exactly when he started playing golf – it just seems to have always been part of his life. We can credit his middle school buddies at Carmel Country Club for fostering his love for the sport, though, because he enjoyed hanging out with them so much that he started playing a lot more. In fact, even though golf is more of an individual sport, Davis says the social aspect of the game is the part he loves most, and where he has formed some of his greatest friendships. Davis had his “hello world” moment when he ran away with the individual title at the state championship as a sophomore, shooting a six-under par 66 that included seven birdies on the back nine. His success continued in his junior year, when he finished ranked third in stroke average in the NCISAA. This summer, Davis faced a tough challenge at the North Carolina Junior Boys’ Championship. After one round of stroke play qualifying, Davis was the 36th seed. Undeterred – or maybe a little deterred – he went on to win six straight head-to-head matches in bracket play to claim the title and the prestigious Henry Lee Welch trophy. Along with his accomplishments on the golf course, Davis has also excelled on the basketball court. Don’t let the baby face fool you, he is one of the most competitive athletes I’ve coached.

Davis is also a smart young man, and he recognized that finding the right school meant finding the right blend of academics, athletics, and social environment. This particular program made the choice easy for him. Davis said his future teammates were very welcoming, and he knows that while he is having fun with them on the golf course, he will also be getting a very good education. We can’t wait to watch him play just up the road at Davidson College. Congratulations Davis!