National Signing Day: February 5

Bishop Kenny Celebrates Nine Student-Athletes on National Signing Day

Nine outstanding Bishop Kenny student-athletes signed their college intent letters on February 5, marking a significant milestone in their athletic and academic journeys. These students have demonstrated commitment to their sports, faith, and education, and will continue to excel at the collegiate level. Among the signees, two Crusaders will be continuing their careers at prestigious U.S. military academies, exemplifying leadership, discipline, and service.

John Patrick Donovan will be heading to the United States Naval Academy to play football while majoring in Business. He is also a sprinter on the varsity track team. Stephanie Grden is set to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point for cross country and track, majoring in Kinesiology. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “’Push from the front and pull from the back,’ is a phrase that helps my team win every race that we step into. As Crusader cross country runners, we always put the team first and that is how we compete—with faith in God and our natural abilities.”

Several other Bishop Kenny athletes will be making their mark at various colleges. Owen Delaney will play baseball at Florida Institute of Technology, majoring in Sports Management. Owen shared, “The Bishop Kenny Baseball program has helped shape who I am today and become a better person0”. Evan Raynor is joining Jacksonville University’s golf team while studying Finance, noting, “My mom has always told me to trust God’s plan and I followed that advice at Bishop Kenny. I will continue to keep that in the front of my mind as I play at JU and go through life.”

Adam Enoch is taking his basketball talents to Stevens Institute of Technology, majoring in Finance. Owen Kerkezi, a three-time state champion swimmer, will be competing at Lynn University and pursuing a degree in Finance. Football player Andrew Clifford is set to play at Hampden-Sydney College, majoring in Criminal Law.

Mia Brumfield will be continuing her soccer career at Mississippi Valley State, majoring in Political Science with aspirations of law school. She reflected on her time with the team: “Coach Gavin always tells the team to ‘embrace the suck’ because it will always push you to be better, and I found that to be true this year. As a team, we have really bonded and worked together as a stronger unit on the pitch, getting wins in tough games.” Ava Winkler, set to play indoor and beach volleyball at Ave Maria University.  She would like to major in biology to pursue a career in the medical field.

These nine student-athletes embody the Bishop Kenny spirit of perseverance, faith, and excellence. Their journeys will continue at universities and academies across the country, where they will carry forward the lessons learned on and off the field. Congratulations to each of them on this remarkable achievement!