By Jessica Waggoner ’12, Sports Columnist

In recent years, many athletes have achieved great milestones here at Newark Academy. From Nikki Blank ’11 joining the 100 goal club to Jordan Jett ’11 breaking several school records, NA has seen some phenomenal athletic feats. Many of these athletes have continued their athletic careers at their respective colleges and universities.

Of course, Newark Academy legend Maya Hayes ’10 is ripping up at Penn State and still plans to play professional soccer when she graduates. For now, Hayes is leading her team and has been recognized nationally with several awards. However, Hayes is not the only NA alum proving herself on collegiate soccer fields all over the East Coast. Both Steven Borukhin ’09 and Thomas Henshall ’11 are playing at Bowdoin. Henshall recently assisted the final goal in order to help Bowdoin get a win. Scott Garfing has been a great goalie for the University of Rochester soccer team, and Nikki Blank has begun her first year at Tufts on her respective soccer team, too. When asked to comment on her college experience thus far, Blank stated, “My experience playing soccer at Tufts University has been amazing. However, college athletics, opposed to high school, are more than just a time commitment. They are a lifestyle.” She also offered some advice and encouragement for current NA athletes looking to continue their athletic career in college. “I think that the NESCAC  (New England Small College Athletic Conference) is a great fit for NA kids as it holds a strong value on the balance between academics and athletics. NA provides strong athletic programs that can take anyone to the next level with the right amount of dedication and drive.”

Other fall athletes include cross-country competitors Ashley Ulrich and Matt Willian, as well as, field hockey player Callie Marx. Along with these fall athletes, we can look forward to seeing graduates from the class of 2011, T.J. Redmond, Jordan Jett, Jack Bloom, Whit Harwood, Joseph Gerish, Leigh Wolfson, Adrienne White, Adam Seltzer, and Mike Alelov competing in the winter and spring.