Sports

Four Point Pleasant Borough High School Students Recruited for NCAA Division I and II Colleges/Universities

Three girls and one male athlete recruited

Three girls and one male athlete at Point Pleasant Borough High School signed national letters of intent committing to attend specific NCAA Division I and II universities or colleges that recruited them.

Kelsey Haycook, Katie Frye, Melissa Criscuolo and Ryan Malleck, surrounded by their coaches and families at the high school's guidance office, signed letters on Wednesday, according to a prepared statement from the school district.

By signing such letters, students commit to attending specific colleges which, in turn, agree to provide financial aid to the students.

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Ryan and Kelsey will be attending college at no cost while Katie and Melissa will attend at a significantly reduced rate.

Across the country, thousands of exceptional high school football, field hockey, and soccer players as well as track and field athletes, and cross country runners signed with one of the 616 participating NCAA Division I and II colleges and universities.

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"For any high school, having one student recruited to attend a Division I or II school would be a tremendous honor," the statement said.

But Point Pleasant Borough High School had four.

"It is always an exciting experience when one of our students signs with a college or university," said Principal Linda Rocco. "But it is exceptional to have four students sign to such prestigious universities. It really is a tremendous testament to these students’ phenomenal athletic abilities as well as the support of all the coaches, our schools, and the community."

Despite having just surpassed the 1000-point mark in her high school basketball career, Kelsey Haycook signed to play soccer at LaSalle University crediting the coaching staff and the program with her decision.

"To have a player like Kelsey is a dream," said girls soccer coach Michael Edelow. "She is a fantastic athlete."

Intrigued by Monmouth University's athletic and academic programming, cross country and track superstar Katie Frye signed her Letter of Intent to run with the Hawks in West Long Branch.

"Katie has natural talent that she balances with hard work," said Angela Kostenko, Katie's track coach. "It's obvious that she's a Division I athlete."

"Katie's technique coupled with her ability makes her excel," said cross country coach James Greenwood. "She also loves the sport and that shows in her performance."

Melissa Criscuolo was the day's final signer committing to attend James Madison University. Recruited for her outstanding swimming abilities, Melissa joins her older sister, Andrea, also a swimmer, at JMU.

Her coach, Patricia Ryan, said, "Melissa is an excellent swimmer. She works very hard and it shows."

Citing the school's coaching staff as the major factor in his decision, football player Ryan Malleck committed to transition from the Panther's preeminent tight end to a Hokie at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).

Coach Sean Henry expressed his pride in Ryan's decision.

"Virginia Tech's football program consistently ranks in the top 15 in the country," said Henry. "I am so happy for Ryan and his family on this well deserved accomplishment." (See separate Patch story about football signings in the region.)

All four athletes leave behind a great legacy of  success, said Athletic Director David Kirk.

"It has been both an honor and a privilege to watch their performance in their respective sports," Kirk said. "I am extremely proud of them all."

Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith, who witnessed all the signings, also reflected on the remarkable achievements of the student athletes.

"The fact that so many of our students were so actively recruited by top universities and colleges underscores the integral role sports can play in a student's life," Smith said. "I look forward to following our students' continued successes for the remainder of high school and beyond."


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