On Wednesday, November 13th, NDCL Athletics hosted a National Signing Day to honor four student-athletes committing to play their sport at the collegiate level.
FRANKIE CLARK
Sport: Baseball
School: Eastern Michigan University (NCAA Division I, Mid-American Conference)
Academic Plan: Major in criminal justice, aspires to become a police officer
Parents: Chris and Tina Clark
Accomplishments:
Four-year member of the Varsity Baseball team
Two-time Crown Conference first team (2023 & 2024)
Member of the 2023 district champion team
Advice for current and future Lions:
"Work hard both on and off the field."
Why Eastern Michigan University?
"I felt that EMU was a perfect fit for me both academically and athletically."
SOPHIA DeRENZO
Sport: Women's Volleyball
School: Walsh University (NCAA Division II, Great Midwest Athletic Conference)
Academic Plan: Major in business administration
Parents: Dennis and Jennifer DeRenzo
Accomplishments:
Four-year member of the Varsity Volleyball team
Member of the 2022 Division II state champion team
Member of the 2022 regional champion team
Member of the 2022, 2023, 2024 district champion teams
Advice for current and future Lions:
"Participate in a variety of activities, stay focused on your academics to open more opportunities for yourself, and be confident and utilize all the resources NDCL has to offer."
Why Walsh University?
"I chose Walsh because of their highly regarded business administration program. The Walsh community also made me feel right at home when I went on visits there. I also liked the size and location of the school and that it is a Catholic college."
GRACE HINKEL
Sport: Women's Lacrosse
School: Mars Hill University (NCAA Division II, South Atlantic Conference)
Academic Plan: Major in criminal justice, aspires to become a lawyer
Parents: Rich and Amy Hinkel
Accomplishments:
Four-year member of the Varsity Lacrosse team
(2022 - Freshman) Crown Conference honorable mention
(2023 - Sophomore) Crown Conference first team, News-Herald first team all-star, News-Herald player of the year finalist, Cleveland.com all-stars honorable mention, NDCL Varsity Lacrosse offensive team MVP, NDCL single season goals record holder (66), NDCL single season caused turnover record (43)
(2024 - Junior) Varsity team captain, Cleveland.com preseason first team all-star, News-Herald player to watch, Crown Conference offensive MVP, Crown Conference first team, All-Region second team, News-Herald first team all-star, NDCL Varsity Lacrosse team offensive MVP, first lacrosse player in school history to achieve 100 career goals
Advice for current and future Lions:
"Don't take any of your time at NDCL for granted, it truly goes by so fast so cherish every moment. Focus on your academics and work hard in your sport(s) but don't forget to make new friends, go out of your comfort zone, and most importantly, have fun."
Why Mars Hill University?
"From the beginning, I knew that I wanted to attend a college in the south, which led me to focus on Mars Hill for lacrosse recruitment. After meeting the coaches and visiting campus, I felt at home. Getting to know my future coaches and learning their styles and philosophies solidified my choice. When I had my official visit, I met the criminal justice department chair and that increased my excitement to obtain my degree at Mars Hill."
TONY PETRIE
Sport: Men's Golf
School: Defiance College (NAIA, Wolverine-Hoosier Conference)
Academic Plan: Double major in business and sports management
Parents: Rob and Tricia Petrie
Accomplishments:
Two-year member of the Boys Varsity Golf team
Member of the 2024 district qualifying team
Advice for current and future Lions:
"Don't let the past scare you or hold you back in any way."
Why Defiance College?
"I chose Defiance because of the campus environment. I felt that it was perfect for me, and I felt right at home."
