Six Hawks were celebrated in the final collegiate athletic commitment event of the year, bringing the total number of signees to twenty-five for the Class of 2026. That's the most of any graduating group since at least 2008, when CLS began tracking commitments. The previous record of twenty-four was set by the Class of 2015, with notable alumni including Daniel Jones, Toby Okwara, and Carson Song. 

This spring's commitment group represents soccer, baseball, golf, football, track & field, and swimming. 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, and recognized twelve student-athletes on the November national signing day, followed by seven more at the February event. 

Charlotte Latin has averaged 16.5 commitments per year since 2008, or roughly 12% of the senior class. This year's group of 25 commitments represents 17% of the senior class, and 24% of senior athletes. Read on to find out more about each of our April honorees and the journey that led them to their respective colleges. 

 

Matthew Barber - Georgetown University Football Matthew's football journey has come full circle. He started playing tackle football in sixth grade and is now one of the most consistent volunteers in our developmental programs, Talons and summer camps. In one memorable moment, Matthew threw a long touchdown pass to a Lower School student in a Talons game, then sprinted down the field to celebrate with the team as he towered over them.   The aspects of football that Matthew enjoys the most are the combined physical and mental challenge, and the physicality, discipline and preparation required to do well. He values the brotherhood and life lessons he's gained, including toughness and perseverance. Matthew has been a quiet leader who sets an example and holds others accountable. His efforts have been rewarded with All-Conference honors the past two years and All-State recognition in his senior season.   During the recruiting process, Matthew found a certain team culture that resonated – one that emphasizes character, discipline and long-term success in life. Considering a major in business, Matthew wants to be challenged in the class room while contributing to a growing football program. With his faith foremost, followed by his love and appreciation for his parents and his brother, Trent, Matthew is grateful for the support of the CLS community, as he plans to continue his education and football journey at Georgetown University next year.   Congratulations Matthew!

 

Griffin Donnelly - Lawrence University Baseball Following in the path of his big brother, Griffin picked up a bat as soon as he could walk and has loved the sport from the beginning. It may seem counterintuitive, but Griffin says what he enjoys most about baseball is that it is impossible to be perfect. Success only comes after failure, which Griffin has experienced firsthand this year. After tearing his ACL during the football season, Griffin attacked rehab with an optimism that is extremely rare for a high school student. He embraced the role of mentor, offering support and coaching to his teammates while he worked hard to recover. It was a proud moment for all of us when he was able to return to his position behind the plate just in time for senior night.    Griffin would like to thank his parents for being his biggest supporters, and his school and club coaches for their unwavering support. Teammate Jaden Hawa also gets kudos, for pushing him to be his best, even when he was in a brace. Personal connection was a driving force in Griffin's college search, and the culture of one community stood out above the others. He describes it as super friendly, with people from all different backgrounds, appealing campus vibes, a nice downtown area, and proximity to Green Bay and Milwaukee. A strong economics program sealed the deal and Griffin chose to join the Vikings, competing for Lawrence University next year. Congratulations Griffin!

 

Avery Simmons - Denison University Men's Track & Field Avery's introduction to track and field was not the result of an inherent desire to run, but rather the need to fulfill a physical education requirement. He joined the track team as a freshman and discovered that he was pretty good at it – and it was fun. The equity of the sport also appealed to him; you either win the race, or you don't.   During his years on the Charlotte Latin track team, Avery has been an integral part of the sprint program. In a group of very loud personalities, his quiet disposition contributed a calming, steady presence, while his performance on the track spoke volumes. He currently holds the fifth-fastest 100 meter and ninth-fastest 200 meter times in school history. Those performances drew the attention of college coaches, and their interest prompted Avery to consider continuing his track career beyond high school. Avery credits Coach David Paige with suggesting he take a look at a liberal arts school in Ohio, with a small student-to-faculty ratio and a focus on cultivating leadership potential. After visiting the campus and meeting with the coaches, Avery was sold. His decision was solidified by ongoing contact from the athletics and admissions staff, which made him feel wanted and supported. With encouragement from his parents, Avery has chosen to pursue a degree in psychology while continuing to compete in track for the Big Red at Denison University.   Congratulations Avery!

 

Ben Spiegler - Rochester Institute of Technology Men's Swimming Ben began swimming at the JCC as a five-year-old, and became a year-round swimmer at age ten. He enjoys the process of working towards goals, improving over time, and most of all, the friendships he's made. As part of the Latin team, Ben has built relationships across all grade levels. He smiles easily, supports everyone, and is seemingly always calm and composed – all while giving 100 percent effort in every event. Ben is a bit of an unsung hero, scoring significant points in every championship meet since his freshman year, and earning All-State honors as a senior as part of the 200 freestyle relay.   Initially, Ben wasn't sure whether he would continue swimming past high school. He was focused on academics, with a specific vision for gaining real-world experience while in college. He discovered a place that is ranked fifth in the nation for co-ops and internships, where he could embark on an exciting program that allows him to earn both an engineering and a business degree with three co-ops built in. On top of all of that, their men's swimming team were this year's Liberty League runners-up and they wanted Ben to join them in the hunt for a title next season. He credits his parents' support and his coaches' belief in his potential for helping him exceed his own expectations, as he heads to Rochester Institute of Technology in New York to compete for the Tigers. Congratulations Ben!

 

Til Wagner - Hampden-Sydney College Men's Golf Growing up in a golf family, with a dad who played collegiately and an uncle who played in college and in the pros, it was inevitable that Til would be drawn to the game. He's been swinging a club since he was two years old, loving the process of learning from mistakes, and enjoying the variety that comes from each shot and every course.   As a Latin golfer, Til has shown resilience and patience. He learned from the tough rounds, responded to adversity with hard work, and celebrated small gains along the way. His progression as a golfer is a testament to his dedication, but Til also credits his dad for being his biggest supporter and being genuinely excited to watch Til play golf and to travel to tournaments.   While deciding what path to take after graduating from Latin, Til was drawn to a beautiful campus where the strong relationships between faculty and students was evident during his visits. He says it is the perfect distance from home, not too far and not too close, with a brotherhood that is truly special. He knew he could get a great education there while establishing a strong network for the future, but when it became evident that he could also continue competing in the sport he loves, he was certain he had found his new home. Til is heading to Virginia to play for the Tigers at Hampden-Sydney College. Congratulations Til!

 

Ethan Worrell - Denison University Men's Soccer As a four-year-old in the YMCA's soccer program, Ethan loved the fast-paced action and energy of the game. Eventually, he grew to appreciate the thrill of competition and the powerful pull of camaraderie among teammates. He credits the sport with teaching him discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. At Latin, Ethan made an immediate impact as a freshman on the soccer field, earning All-Conference honors the last two years. His passion for his fellow Hawks, his dedication to the team, and his determination to make himself better will be remembered.   Ethan says the constant support of his parents, including all the driving, encouraging him through challenging times, helping him stay focused, and believing in him, gave him the confidence he needed to pursue playing at the next level. During his college search, Ethan was trying to find a good mix of challenging academics within a competitive, but supportive, team. What ultimately drew him in was an environment that feels a lot like Latin, with motivated students in a close-knit community, and a soccer team that had a record of 15-3-3 this season, finishing with its fourth trip to the NCAA Tournament in the past five years. Ethan is excited to continue his academic and athletic pursuits in Granville, Ohio, at Denison University.   Congratulations Ethan!

           
Special thanks to St John Photography for the event images!