The Charlotte Latin community packed the Black Box for a third and final collegiate athletic commitment event on April 26, 2023. Three Hawks were honored for their achievements in the classroom and in their respective sports that have led to an opportunity to continue competing at the next level. They join the
seven Hawks who were recognized in February, and the
three Hawks who were honored for their collegiate commitments in November. Congratulations to Thomas, Ned, and Will, as well as their families and the coaches that helped them along the way!
Hampden-Sydney College - Tennis 
Thomas started playing tennis when he was around five or six years old. He was inspired by watching his parents, who were getting into the sport. The thing Thomas loves most about tennis may also be the thing that sets him apart – he loves challenging matches that extend to three sets. Most players would prefer to win quickly in two, but Thomas says those long matches bring out his true fighting spirit. That's actually what Coach Dale Hall noticed first about Thomas, way back in his Middle School years. He had the necessary skills but it was his tenacity and competitive spirit that made an impression. He played every point as if it were his last, and he has brought that energy into our program. An All-Conference player who has overcome an early season injury to return to the court, he has been a key part of our team's success the past four years.
Recruiting interest came early for Thomas, who was hoping to follow in his family's footsteps and pursue a collegiate career. During a campus visit his junior year, Thomas was impressed with the core traditions of brotherhood and respect, combined with a well-rounded curriculum that he was introduced to. He liked the emphasis on values that was integrated in the academic and athletic cultures, as well as life outside of those arenas. He met future teammates who were hardworking and welcoming, and a coaching staff that demonstrated a clear belief in his ability from their initial meeting. It's no wonder, then, that he chose to study business and economics while continuing his tennis career as a Tiger at Hampden-Sydney College next year.
Congratulations Thomas!
Elon University - Basketball
The Hull family has been part of the Latin basketball program for many years, and we may have Ned's older brothers, Will and Brad, to thank for Ned's success. He cannot remember a time that he wasn't around the game, which initially meant shooting baskets during the breaks in his brothers' games, or trying, unsuccessfully at first, to score over them in the backyard. Eventually though, Ned grew, both figuratively and literally. He has always loved to shoot, but he learned to appreciate the sport for the team chemistry, the bond it takes to form that chemistry, and the results that can come from it. Ned says, "When five guys work as one, it is a beautiful thing to watch."
As a Hawk, Ned has inspired us all with his work ethic. It's a rare day that
Ned Hull isn't getting in some shots in the Belk Gym, usually before the rest of the school arrives, and his 1200-plus points scored for Latin is a testament to the work he's put in. A two-time All-State and All-Conference honoree, we will miss Ned's leadership, consistency, and his uncanny ability to knock down the big shot. When evaluating his options for next year, Ned was impressed by top-of-the-line facilities embedded in a beautiful campus, and a coaching staff that genuinely loves the game and is happy where they are. But the biggest draw may have been watching the team, loving the way they played, and feeling like he would fit right in. He'll only be a couple of hours north on 85, so make plans to take a drive and cheer on Ned as a Phoenix at Elon University next year.
Congratulations Ned!
Washington & Lee University - Track & Field 
I like to call him the "Swiss Army Knife," because Will has become such a versatile athlete. Initially drawn to track as a way to stay in shape for cross country and swimming, Will found his passion in the multi-faceted sport that allowed him to jump and run and throw, all within the same competition. As a two-time All-Conference cross-country runner, Will seemed a natural fit for the distance events, but he was open to trying new things and discovered that sometimes the most uncomfortable situations lead to the most rewarding experiences - including becoming the first champion decathlete in school history. Will won the 10-event competition at last year's Raven Multi Championship and was second this year, exceeding his previous best score by more than 400 points and finishing in the top 3 in eight out of ten events.
When it came time to choose his next adventure after graduating from Latin, Will was intent on finding an opportunity for balance. He wanted something far enough away that it felt adventurous, but also had a sense of familiarity. He was looking for academic rigor that would also be manageable. And he wanted a broad liberal arts education that still made it possible to spend time focusing on a specific area of interest. It was an added benefit, or perhaps the deciding factor, that Will felt at home on a track in the midst of the Shenandoah Valley. We look forward to seeing the new heights he'll attain as he heads to Virginia next year to study and compete at Washington and Lee University.
Congratulations Will!
Gallery: (4-26-2023) 2023 April Collegiate Commitment
