On February 9th the Morristown Beard community celebrated five student-athletes of the class of 2024. Chloe Higgins, Kailin Kane, Marcello Laracca, Ellen Manke, and Kiera Redmond have committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level in the fall. In addition to their successes in athletics, these students have excelled in their academic pursuits as well, truly embodying the idea of a student-athlete.

Redmond will be continuing with lacrosse at Bard College in the fall. Redmond has been playing lacrosse since the 3rd grade, but it wasn’t till 5th grade that she decided to be a goalie after attending a camp specifically for lacrosse goalies. Since then, Redmond has excelled in the sport, earning player of the game at one of her tournaments in Texas last year as well as achieving 100 career saves. Redmond said that she would not be where she is today without the help of her private lesson coaching and her two travel coaches, allowing her to feel more confident at the net. 

This fall, Manke will be playing volleyball at Gettysburg College. Manke started playing volleyball in the 8th grade. She is most proud of her club team and their ability to hold their own during back to back weekends against some of the best teams in the country. Manke has earned first/second team all-conference since her freshman year. Manke said, “my drive to want to compete and get better every day has definitely helped me get to where I am today.”

Kane will be playing hockey at Johnson & Wales University in the fall. Kane started playing hockey when she was 6 years old. Her biggest accomplishments were winning states and being named team captain. Kane believes that her coaches’ constant support has been crucial to her success and drive to be able to continue to play at the collegiate level.

Higgins will continue with track & field at Providence College, and Laracca will continue with football at Sacred Heart University.