On Wednesday, May 1, NDCL Athletics hosted a National Signing Day to honor eight athletes committing to play their sport at the collegiate level.
ANGELENA DePALMA
Sport: Women's Bowling
School: Ursuline College (NCAA DII, G-MAC)
Academic Plan: Major in Nursing
Parents: Nena DePalma
Accomplishments:
Four-year member of the Girls Bowling Team
Team's Most Improved Player Award (2024)
Four-time All-Tournament Team Recipient (2024)
Crown Conference Athlete of the Month (2024)
Why Ursuline?
"I chose to attend Ursuline because of the welcoming community and the opportunity to study my desired major of nursing."
Advice for current and future Lions?
"Don't wish your time away or be in a rush to graduate. Take in every experience, be as involved as possible, and be open to opportunities for improvement."
EVAN DUGGER
Sport: Men's Basketball
School: Capital University (NCAA DIII, OAC)
Academic Plan: Major in Finance
Parents: Theresa and Mike Dugger
Accomplishments:
Four-year member of the Boys Basketball Team
All-time Leading Scorer in School History (1,172 career points)
School Record Holder for Three-Pointers made in a Career (222), Single Season (86), and in a Single Game (8)
All-Ohio Special Mention (2023), All-Ohio Honorable Mention (2024)
Second Team All-District (2023), Third Team All-District (2024)
Three-time Crown Conference First Team (2022, 2023, 2024)
Crown Conference Player of the Year (2024)
Why Capital?
"I chose Capital because of their finance program and opportunity to compete at the collegiate level."
Advice for current and future Lions:
"Cherish every moment"
KARA FOX
Sport: Women's Lacrosse
School: Ohio Northern University (NCAA DIII, OAC)
Academic Plan: Major in Pharmacy
Parents: Joanne and Paul Fox
Accomplishments:
Two-year member of the Girls Lacrosse Team
Two-year Varsity Starting Goalie
Team Rookie of the Year in her Freshman Season
Why Ohio Northern University?
"I felt like it was a place that I could thrive and learn in, and how to be successful in my future."
Advice for current and future Lions:
"Get involved and don't forget to have fun, it's high school!"
BEN HERCZOG
Sport: Men's Track & Field
School: John Carroll University (NCAA DIII, OAC)
Academic Plan: Major in Exercise Science
Parents: Kim and Ted Herczog
Accomplishments:
Three-year member of the Outdoor Track & Field Team
Three-year member of the Indoor Track & Field Team
Crown Conference 300 Meter Hurdles Champion (2023)
Why John Carroll University?
"My brother goes there and enjoys it, it isn't too far, and it has a good, challenging education."
Advice for current and future Lions:
"At one point in life you will either have the things you want or the reasons you don't." - Coach Ralph White
HAILEY KINNEY
Sport: Women's Bowling
School: Baldwin Wallace University (NCAA DIII, OAC)
Academic Plan: Major in Speech-Language Pathology
Parents: Heather and Chris Kinney
Accomplishments:
Four-year member of the Girls Bowling Team
Holds School Record for Girls High Game (276) and Two-Game High Series (473)
Two-time District Qualifier (2023, 2024)
First NDCL Girls Bowler to Qualify for the State Tournament (2024)
Why Baldwin Wallace University?
"I chose to attend Baldwin Wallace because they have a very good program for my degree and I get to continue my bowling career."
Advice for current and future Lions:
"Try new things. Get involved in whatever you can. You are your own person so don't let others discourage you from doing what you want and what you enjoy. The time goes very fast so enjoy it while you can."
MEGAN PALINSKI
Sport: Women's Track & Field
School: Duquesne University (NCAA DI, Atlantic 10)
Academic Plan: Major in Entrepreneurship, Minor in Film
Parents: Katie and Michael Palinski
Accomplishments:
Four-year member of the Outdoor Track & Field Team
Three-year member of the Indoor Track & Field Team
Three-time Indoor Track & Field National Qualifier for Weight Throw
Two-time Indoor Track & Field State Qualifier for Shot Put
Three-time Indoor Track & Field State Qualifier for Shot Put and Weight Throw
National and State Qualifier in Hammer Throw
Most Points Scored for the Team Award
Why Duquesne?
"I chose Duquesne because of its friendly environment, location in the city, and for their business program."
Advice for current and future Lions?
"Have fun! High school goes by fast and don't waste it by getting caught up in drama. As for athletes, work hard and get comfortable being uncomfortable - that's how progress is made!"
SOPHIA PURGAR
Sport: Women's Volleyball
School: Carroll University (NCAA DIII, CCIW)
Academic Plan: Major in Communications & Public Relations
Parents: Zana and John Purgar
Accomplishments:
Three-year member of the Girls Volleyball Team
Why Carroll College?
"I love the location of the school and its small town feel, as well as its Carroll3 program. The program allows me to get my degree in three years and get started in my career!"
Advice for current and future Lions?
"Believe in yourself and trust that God is working in the background in your favor. Setbacks will happen, it's how you choose to respond to them that will shape you and your future!"
KAITLYN VALENTIC
Sport: Women's Soccer
School: Chatham University (NCAA DIII, PAC)
Academic Plan: Major in Exercise Science, studying Occupational Therapy in an accelerated IDP program
Parents: Kathleen and Ivan Valentic
Accomplishments:
Four-year member of the Girls Varsity Soccer Team
Crown Conference First Team (2023)
Greater Cleveland Honorable Mention (2023)
Why Chatham University?
"I chose Chatham University for the atmosphere and community. I also for the opportunity to study Occupational Therapy and take part in an accelerated program. I also loved the campus and location of Pittsburgh."
Advice for current and future Lions:
"Challenge, and take time to be the best version of yourself. Go the extra mile to get better not for others, but for yourself and your own confidence. Even when it's hard, that's the most important time to understand your worth as a player."
