Charlotte Latin School celebrated the collegiate athletic commitments of twelve student-athletes on November 12, 2025. This talented group included three golfers, two basketball players, two wrestlers, two swimmers, one soccer player, one lacrosse player, and one who will compete in both football and lacrosse. Family, friends, coaches, teachers, and other supporters gathered in the Belk Gym to honor their accomplishments. CLS Athletics holds three collegiate athletic commitment recognition events during the school year. The November and February celebrations are held on designated national signing days, with a third event to be held in late April. Charlotte Latin has averaged 16.5 commitments per year since 2008, or roughly 12% of the senior class. Read on to find out more about each of our November honorees and the journey that led them to their respective colleges. 

 

Harrison Short - Villanova University Men's Swimming Like many competitive swimmers, Harrison was introduced to the sport through his neighborhood's summer team. But at the young age of nine, he was already driven to seek improvement and became a year-round swimmer. He is grateful to his parents for taking him to so many meets throughout the years and cheering him on through every step of the journey.   A Lifer since TK, Harrison represented the Hawks on the middle school team and broke two individual middle school league records, plus a relay record as an eighth grader. As a varsity swimmer, he has placed in the top six in every conference championship event and in the top ten of every state championship event he has competed in since freshman year. Harrison enjoys the routine and structure of swimming, along with the many close friendships he's found in the pool. For the Hawks, he readily and enthusiastically offers advice and support to less experienced swimmers.   The recruiting process proved challenging, but Harrison knew he wanted a high-level business program in a school that also offered a close-knit swimming team. He was excited to find an academic program that focuses on real-world experience and leadership, on a campus with a strong sense of community, and future teammates that both support and challenge one another. Harrison will be moving just 12 miles west of Philadelphia to continue his academic and athletic journey as a Wildcat at Villanova University.   Congratulations Harrison!

 

Karlin Smith - Bucknell University Women's Swimming She was intrigued by dancing, but found she lacked flexibility, so Karlin set her sights on year-round swimming as an eight-year-old. Friendships were made quickly, which ultimately developed into a sense of family, and that connection has kept her going through all the rough sets, late nights, early mornings, setbacks and successes. Karlin says swimming has taught her so much about herself and developed skills that have helped her succeed in and out of the pool.   For the Hawks, Karlin has placed in the top eight of every event she has competed in at both our conference and state championship meets since she was a freshman. Her success in competition is a direct result of her consistent work ethic, as well as her commitment to and pride in her school. She will dig deep and push through pain to out-touch her competitors, but she will also be the first to congratulate her opponents on a great race regardless of the result.   Not one to shy away from challenges, Karlin has found fulfillment in applying engineering skills to create solutions for real-world problems, and wants to continue that path in college. She was hopeful that she could find a school that provided a hands-on biomedical engineering program where she could also continue her swimming career, and she believes she found the perfect fit embedded in a beautiful suburban campus. Karlin is heading to Pennsylvania to continue her education and compete as a Bison for Bucknell University.   Congratulations Karlin!

 

Liam McConaughy - Case Western Reserve University Wrestling We have Jeff Wolfe to thank for luring Liam into the wrestling room as a sixth grader, but what kept him coming back was the sense of accomplishment Liam found through hard work and measurable improvement. In his words, "In wrestling, what you are willing to give is what you will receive in return for your efforts." Liam also credits Coach Wolfe, Coach Branham, and me for helping guide him through the years – and I speak for all of us when I say that Liam is an example of who we want Latin wrestlers to be: Hard-working, focused, and a great teammate.   As a Mat Hawk, Liam has been a four-year starter, a three-time state finalist, and a two-time state champion. He surpassed the 100-win milestone last season and looks to continue supporting the program's legacy of excellence as a captain this year.   When Liam began his college search, he was grounded by certain criteria: He wanted a Division III school with high academic standing, where he could be a contributor to the wrestling program. Considering a major in either chemistry or finance, Liam found a school that fits his needs academically, and was happy to find that meeting the wrestling staff and team felt welcoming and comfortable. We are excited to see all that he can accomplish in Cleveland, Ohio, competing as a Spartan at Case Western Reserve University.   Congratulations Liam!

 

Spear Gorelick - Davidson College Wrestling His wrestling journey began in sixth grade because he wanted to participate in sports at Latin and it seemed to be the only option available at that age. It turned out that he was pretty good at it, and he discovered that although wrestling appears to be an individual sport, the team dynamic is powerful. Spear has deep appreciation for the encouragement of his non-wrestler friends, his teammates, his Charlotte Latin coaches, and his family – for the unique part each has played in his development as an athlete and a person.   As a four-year starter and three-time state finalist, Spear has been and continues to be a leader for our program. He is tough, athletic, and explosive on the mat. And he is tough, persistent, and resilient off of it. Spear is a great role model of facing adversity and coming back even stronger to achieve high goals.   Throughout Spear's recruitment, he was hoping to find a program that offered the same sense of community he loves at Charlotte Latin, where he could count on his teammates to stand behind him no matter what challenges are presented. As it turned out, there was a great fit nearby, with an amazing coaching staff, high academic standards, and a tight-knit family feel. Heading just an hour north on 77, Spear will continue his education and his wrestling career as a Wildcat at Davidson College.   Congratulations Spear!

 

Griffin Cheatwood - Davidson College Men's Golf What started as summer activity with family at Pinehurst turned into a great past time with friends at Myers Park, who eventually developed into a practice squad that push one another to work hard while having fun. Griffin has been playing golf since he was about five years old and has thoroughly enjoyed representing the Hawks and traveling with his Latin teammates. He credits his dad with instilling a strong work ethic, and says his mom's support has been vital to his success in school and in athletics.   Griffin is one of the most consistent players we've ever had. He was the CISAA Player of the Year as a sophomore, an All-Conference and All-Observer selection, and has continued that level of excellence every season since. In May, he captured medalist honors at the CISAA Championship with an impressive three-under 69, then finished third at the state championship – helping secure the team's third consecutive state title.     When considering his options after graduation, Griffin was drawn to schools with smaller populations but found one in particular that was situated on a beautiful campus that feels bigger than it is. He plans to study economics and felt the business program there will help set him up for professional success later in life. Then he met the golf team, and the team dynamic was strong and appealing, so the decision was made. Griffin will be joining Spear next year as a Wildcat competing for Davidson College.   Congratulations Griffin!

 

Aston Lee - NC State University Men's Golf Aston was introduced to golf at a very early age. He was just a toddler when his mom, Kate, told his dad, Jeff, that if Jeff wanted to go play golf, he had to take at least one of the kids with him. Jeff's love of the game rubbed off on Aston, who has learned to appreciate the challenge of adjusting to the swing you have on any given day, and trusting your preparation. He says the immense support from family and friends, and their belief in him, kept him pushing through the tough times.   As a freshman, Aston shot a 69 to finish in a first-place tie with a senior for individual champion, which would be decided with a sudden-death playoff. With a huge crowd watching and a light rain falling, Aston hit the green in two, then two-putted for par to win the hole. He claimed the individual title and helped the Hawks win their first state victory since 1994. His swing speed and distance are elite —but what truly separates Aston are his poise, work ethic, and team-first mentality.   When it came time to think about his college options, Aston was pretty sure he knew where he wanted to go. With a plan to study business, and the hope of continuing to compete in collegiate golf, his visits to Raleigh solidified his choice. He was impressed by the campus and the surrounding city, enjoyed getting to know the coaching staff and the team, and excited by the prospect of competing for the Wolfpack at NC State.   Congratulations Aston!

   

Henry Holland - James Madison University Men's Golf His first clubs were the plastic type sold in most toy departments and Henry was busy trying all the sports, so it wasn't until he played a tournament at age 13 that he fully embraced golf. Henry says he has an internal drive to be the best and he loves to compete.  He recognizes the sacrifices his family made to provide opportunities for him to travel, and he is grateful for his golf coach of seven years for helping him throughout the journey.   Henry came to Latin from Trinity Episcopal in ninth grade and excelled immediately for the Hawks. In the spring, Henry won the Carmel Shootout with a six-under 65, finished runner-up at the CISAA Championship, and then capped it off by winning the NCISAA 4A State Championship with back-to-back rounds of 68. He was named CISAA Player of the Year, All-State, and All-Conference, adding to a career that started with All-Observer honors as a freshman. Henry's work ethic, leadership, and ability to rise to the moment have defined this program's standard of excellence.   His college search centered on a few criteria: Henry wanted to stay in the south where it wouldn't get too cold, he wanted a strong business school, and he hoped to play for a golf program that will push him to get better every day. After touring what he says is the prettiest campus he's ever seen, seeing their facilities and meeting the team, his decision was made. Henry plans to study finance and compete for the Dukes at James Madison University.    Congratulations Henry!

   

Banks Cutter - Middlebury College Football and Lacrosse Introduced to lacrosse in kindergarten, Banks immediately found a passion for the creativity and flow of the game. But his dad played football, and Banks always hoped to follow in his path, so he joined the Latin middle school team as soon as he was old enough. And even though it's not the sport he's continuing in college, Banks joined the wrestling team as a sixth-grader and became an individual state champion last year. In addition to his obvious athletic abilities, Banks is an outstanding leader who models accountability and team-first mentality.      When asked who has been instrumental in his athletic journey, I am humbled that Banks mentioned me along with his long-time club coach, Coach Ryan, Coach Dayton, for always having his back, and Coach Paige, whose impact Banks calls unrepayable. He also thanks his parents for being there, literally being there, every step of the way.   Getting a quality education was the driving factor in his college search, but Banks also wanted to find a place where he could continue to develop under the guidance of relationship-driven coaches. He took a visit to Vermont and fell in love with a small school in a beautiful rural town, where he could envision himself on the field in the picturesque stadium and felt a connection with the athletic staff. Speaking for all of his Latin coaches, we are sad to see him go, but look forward to all that he will accomplish in the classroom, in lacrosse and in football as a Panther at Middlebury College.   Congratulations Banks!

 

Lanie Edwards - Rollins College Women's Basketball After watching her brothers play for a season, Lanie decided that she'd had enough of sitting on the sideline. She asked to play basketball when she was six years old and loved it from the start. As she progressed in the sport, she found fulfillment in the process of working extremely hard and being rewarded for that work with success on the court. Lanie appreciates that her parents supported her passion from the beginning, and is thankful for all of the hours in the car driving her to practices, games, and tournaments.   Joining the Latin community as a junior, Lanie made an immediate impact in our program. She has a relentless work ethic, competitive fire, and a positive attitude, even in difficult situations. When placed under pressure, she responds with maturity, grit, and determination.   Lanie approached her college search with the intention of finding balance. She plans to major in pre-health studies and was looking for a high-quality program where she could continue to play basketball but also take advantage of other aspects of college life. She hopes to study abroad at some point, and felt there was a great fit in a small liberal arts college in a suburban setting in Florida. We are extremely proud of her accomplishments so far and are excited to follow her journey as she competes for the Tars of Rollins College.   Congratulations Lanie!

                

Mollie Snyder - Grove City College Women's Basketball A backyard hoop and an older brother who played led Mollie to join her first basketball team in kindergarten. She was one of two girls on the team, but that didn't phase her, and that has pretty much defined Mollie's approach to the sport ever since. Resilient in the face of challenges, and dedicated to continual growth, Mollie has worked and willed her way to success. She leads by example, holds other accountable, and consistently lifts up those around her.   Throughout her basketball journey, her parents have encouraged her to own the process but have always been there for support when things didn't go as planned. Mollie has found strength through her dad's unwavering belief in her, and says her mom's positive attitude through countless hours of driving to tournaments and camps made those experiences special.   When Mollie began looking at college options, she knew she wanted to attend a Christian school and visited several. One stood out for its culture, both on the court and around campus. Mollie noticed that while the players were competitive with one another, they seemed to genuinely want the best for each other. She felt a sense of pride in playing for something bigger than oneself and was drawn to it. We are thrilled for Mollie to continue her education and her basketball career as a Wolverine at Grove City College in Pennsylvania.   Congratulations Mollie!

 

Knox Hutcheson - Sewanee: The University of the South Boys' Lacrosse Knox followed his mom's footsteps into the sport of lacrosse, starting in second grade. What he enjoys most about the sport is spending time with friends and competing with them. As a Hawk, Knox has been the cornerstone of our defense for the past two seasons. His competitive fire sets the tone for the team, and his drive to compete is second to none. He welcomes the challenge of matching up against our opponent's best player with the goal of shutting them down and the intention of outscoring them. Knox plays with grit, and he plays with passion.   Throughout the recruitment process, Knox counted on his parents' support and he valued advice from his coaches with his club team and at Latin. After researching and visiting various schools, his decision came down to selecting the option where he thought he could be the most successful, both on and off the field. With the intention of studying finance, Knox determined the academic options, the expansive, beautiful campus, and a connection with his future teammates would provide the best opportunities in college and beyond. Knox is heading to Tennessee to continue his education and compete as a Tiger for Sewanee – The University of the South.   Congratulations Knox!

 

Louis Markin - Case Western Reserve University Men's Soccer Louis says he's been playing soccer since he could walk, and he doesn't remember a time when he wasn't watching or competing in the sport. His favorite part is being with his best friends, and going through all the moments together – the highs and the lows. He is grateful that his parents have supported him every step of the way, taking him to play all around the country and even abroad. Louis would also like to thank his coaches for pushing him, helping him get better, and never letting him lose his joy in playing.   His contributions as a Hawk are full of memorable moments, from coming up big countless times, making PK saves, and scoring the game-winning penalty kick to chants of "Louis! Louis!" from the sideline. But what makes Louis so special is that regardless of the outcome, he was always a leader we could count on. He leaves Latin as one of the most decorated goalkeepers in history, with a school record 425 career saves.   Louis is considering a dual major in finance and economics, with a minor in Spanish, and he wants to continue playing the game he loves. He has found a school that supports his intended areas of study with strong academic programs, offers impressive facilities and proximity to fun opportunities in the city, and says the coaching staff and the boys on the soccer team made him feel at home immediately. Louis will be joining Liam next year as a Spartan at Case Western Reserve University.   Congratulations Louis!