The Charlotte Latin community celebrated six student-athletes for their athletic collegiate commitments on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. A large crowd of family, friends, coaches, teachers, and supporters gathered in the Black Box Theater to honor a tennis player, three swimmers, and two football players who have earned the opportunity to continue their respective sport in college while pursuing degrees in their chosen areas of study. This was the second of three signing day events for the Hawks. The first group of eight was recognized in November and we'll celebrate our final signees on April 24th. Read on to find out more about each of our February honorees and the journey that led them to their respective colleges. 

 

Luke Coppage - Queens University Men's Tennis Following in the footsteps of his older sister, Luke began playing competitive tennis when he was eight years old. He joined the Hawks' program as a middle schooler and earned a spot on the varsity team as a freshman, going 10-1 overall in singles and doubles, and earning the team's Rookie of the Year award. But Luke's aspirations went much higher. He wanted to play Division I college tennis, so he dedicated himself to technique lessons, off-court conditioning, and mental training to make it happen. Luke says the tennis court has been a sanctuary and a place of growth for him, as a player and a person. He relishes the challenge of working to be 1% better every day.   The drive that pushed Luke to pursue excellence on the tennis court was also integral to his college search. He wants to continue to grow, to learn, and to push himself academically and athletically. Luke was inspired by the coaching staff and their goals, the optimism and excitement felt around campus, and what he describes as the "unlimited potential" offered by Queens University of Charlotte, where he will be a proud member of the Royals' tennis team next year. Congratulations Luke!

 

George Glassner - Washington & Lee University Men's Swimming Known for his infectious energy, George found swimming pools to be an outlet for what he describes as his "loud personality" at an early age. He started with swim lessons, but was competing by the time he was six years old. He loved the freedom to be himself at practices – his joyful, boisterous self – something that was not always encouraged in the classroom. He also found a strong community of friends in his swim groups, which helped him enjoy the sport through all the ups and downs.   On the Latin swim team, George is the hype man. He pumps up the team and supports everyone with enthusiasm. It's almost a bonus that he can swim really fast. His fun-loving personality and his dedication make him an effective leader who has been a two-year captain for the Hawks and will serve him well at the next level. When George was considering his choices for life after Latin, he sought schools with strong academic and athletic reputations, but he was also seeking something less tangible. He didn't know exactly what that was until he visited Lexington, Virginia, where he found a small, tightknit community and a swim program with a vibrant culture that will welcome his energy as a member of the Washington and Lee team next year. Congratulations George!

 

Charley Floyd - Tulane University Women's Swimming Swimming seems to be synonymous with sisterhood for Charley. In fact, she got into the sport because a close friend was on the neighborhood summer league team and Charley wanted to be part of it too. It took some convincing to get her mom on board, but she's been swimming ever since and has found the sport to be a great blend of competition and friendship. Charley says some of her toughest opponents are also her closest friends and biggest supporters. She is a community-builder and a selfless, hardworking athlete who has led the Hawks for two years as a captain.   Charley's college search was focused on finding great academics in a great atmosphere. She wanted to work hard academically, but also be able to explore a new city and build relationships with new friends. Swimming was secondary, until she met the Green Wave coaching staff. Charley says it was clear how much they cared about each swimmer and that they are intentional about building a culture within the team. The interactions among the girls' team sealed it – Charley will be swimming with new sisters next year as she heads to New Orleans and Tulane University. Congratulations Charley!

 

Zachary Spicer - Emory University Men's Swimming Zachary's mom signed him up for year-round swimming when he was seven years old because his sister was already on the team and, as she explained to young Zach, she was too busy to drive all around the city to different activities. The sport didn't stick for Zoe, but Zachary discovered he loved the competitiveness, the brutal honesty of the clock, and ultimately, the lifelong friends he made as part of the swim team.   For the Hawks, Zachary is a dynamic racer and a true competitor who seems to bring out the best in those around him. Spicer, or Z-Spice, can always be counted on to get the job done. His college search led him to a location he liked for its proximity to a big city, but its relative closeness to home. He knew what he was looking for academically, and hoped to find a swim team that could provide the right balance between work in the classroom and work in the pool. On his visit, Zachary got the sense that the team was like one big family and they welcomed him warmly. He's looking forward to racing and building new team bonds at Emory University in Atlanta next year. Congratulations Zachary!

 

Jordan Pence - Hampden-Sydney College Football Starting in second grade with the South Park Falcons in Pop Warner, Jordan found friendships and life lessons on the football field. Although he initially thought he was destined to be a quarterback, Jordan accepted and embraced multiple position changes through the years, ultimately becoming an All-Conference offensive and defensive lineman. He is passionate about Charlotte Latin School and the traditions within our community, and the support he gives his coaches and his teammates is invaluable.     Jordan admits he didn't know much about this small, all-male college in Virginia until he visited. What he saw was a beautiful, 1300 acre campus with fields and trees and gathering spaces. What he heard was countless stories from alumni about their experiences there and the brotherhood and family-feel that is infused throughout. It felt familiar, like the camaraderie within the Latin locker room, and he knew he had found his next home. Although he'll be competing as a Tiger next year at Hampden-Sydney College, we know that Jordan is truly a Hawk for life. Congratulations Jordan!

 

Neil Salvage - University of South Carolina Football After years of playing flag football, Neil finally got to tackle as a seventh grader at Charlotte Latin. He discovered that it can be a brutal sport, but he was drawn to the complexity of the game and found fulfillment in the intense preparation and commitment required to be successful. Neil dedicated himself to that discipline – putting in extra time in the weight room or on the field, watching film, and working on the little things that others often overlook, including relationships. His investment in others is admirable.   When it came time to look at colleges, Neil knew where to start. He grew up going to games in Columbia to cheer for his dad's alma mater. It had been a childhood dream to play there one day, so when the dream seemed like it might become a reality, the experience was surreal. Getting an inside look at the facilities, learning about the resources and academic mentors provided to student-athletes, and getting to know the supportive coaching staff convinced Neil that not only could it happen, he was confident he could succeed and make an impact. He'll have a new perspective at field-level in Williams-Brice Stadium next year, as Neil heads to the University of South Carolina. Congratulations Neil!

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