Charlotte Latin's final collegiate athletic commitment event of the year celebrated two Hawks on April 24, 2024. Jackson DiRoma and Nic Levy were surrounded by family, friends, coaches, teachers, and other supporters in the Black Box Theater. Their coaches spoke about the athletes' journeys and their contributions to their Charlotte Latin teams and the CLS community. In all, sixteen Hawks have made collegiate athletic commitments this year, including a group honored in November and another honored in February.

Video from today's event is available here, and photos taken during the celebration are available here. Congratulations to Jackson and Nic on your academic and athletic achievements! Read on to find out a bit more about their journeys.

 

Jackson DiRoma - Bucknell University Men's Cross Country, Men's Track & Field Originally a soccer and ice hockey player, Jackson took up track in seventh grade as a way to stay in shape for other sports. He admits he didn't take it seriously then. As a rising ninth grader, newly admitted to Charlotte Latin, Jackson decided to try cross country as a way to make friends at his new school. This time, the bug bit. Jackson says the team drew him in and that's still what he loves most about running – the shared experience with friends.   At Latin, Jackson has established himself as one of the most accomplished and impactful male distance runners in our program's history. He has had eye-popping improvements in each of his seasons with us, and is putting the finishing touches on a glittering competitive resume this spring. Although Jackson is a ferocious competitor, he is a gentle soul who is admired by his teammates and coaches for his humility, his courage in the face of adversity, and his generosity of spirit.   While considering his collegiate options, Jackson was looking for a liberal arts school with strong academics that also had a tight-knit group of runners. He plans to study economics, but he's keeping his mind open to exploring multiple fields to find the right fit. Just like four years ago, he will look forward to making friends at his new school on the cross country team and deepening those bonds into the track season. We have no doubt that his impact in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania will be as profound as the one he's made here, and we look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes at Bucknell University. Congratulations Jackson!

 

Nic Levy - Johnson & Wales University Men's Basketball Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Nic began playing basketball at a young age. Before his height became an advantage, he enjoyed the sport for all the new friends he made on the court. As he grew, so did his skillset, and Nic came to appreciate and love the camaraderie of being part of a team working for a common goal. He led the Hawks by example this past season; setting the tone with his effort in practice and in games. In his junior year, Nic had one of the most memorable plays in recent history. It was December 2022 and the Hawks were playing in the Anthony Morrow Tournament in the Belk Gym. Leading by two with only seven seconds remaining against highly-ranked Burlington School, the Hawks double-teamed Burlington's best player. He escaped and had a clear path to the basket until Nic peeled off his man and stretched high into the air, blocking the opponent's attempted shot and sealing the upset victory for the Hawks.   For life after Latin, Nic was hoping to find both a school and a basketball program within the school that have a strong sense of community. He didn't want to be too far from family and friends, so thankfully, he found what he was looking for right here in Charlotte. Throughout his senior season, his future coaches attended his Latin games and checked in with Nic often, making him feel like he was already part of their basketball family. Although he'll be a Hawk for life, Nic will be studying business and playing for the Wildcats next year at Johnson and Wales University. Congratulations Nic!