College Athletics is an attractive enterprise for high school students. Less attractive, however, is being a college athlete at a division three or small division one program. Oftentimes, love of sport and dedication to craft provide the motivation for many students at these smaller programs, rather than notoriety, fame, or even the chance to become a professional athlete. Many continue to play simply because they love it and cannot envision their lives without sport.
Attending Furman as a student-athlete is certainly not easy. Student-athletes are expected to be, first and foremost, students. Many decide to attend Furman not only to continue their athletic career, but also because they can attain a high caliber education in the process, arguably one of the best educations that South Carolina has to offer.
As a small mid-major Division 1 school, Furman recruits to fit the needs of the school as well as the athletic programs. This year on Signing Day, many high school students across the country will make the decision of where they will spend the next four years. Already, Furman has added many student-athletes to their incoming class during the National Letter of Intent period.
First: Basketball.
The men’s team added four players to their squad for the following year: Tyrese Hughey, JP Pegues, James Repass and Alex Williams. Bob Richey had this to say about his new additions: “We couldn’t be more thrilled about the four players we’ve added… Not just who they are as players, but what they are going to bring to our program as people.”
The Lady Paladins added new talent as well: Niveya Henley, Kate Johnson, Janay Outten, Jada Session and Katie Whitaker. Coming from Georgia, Florida, and New York, these players will be new weapons for Head Coach Jackie Carson.
Second: Cross Country.
The men’s and women’s squads will add five players, two men and three women. Coach Robert Gary said, “We are very excited about our latest signings.”. The following players will be joining Furman’s Din Men and Girl Gang, respectively: Casey Burr, Gabe Montague, Kaylie Armitage, Sierra Bower, and Meghan Ford. The Paladins will continue to add to their National notoriety with the addition of these runners; this recruiting class is ranked among the top classes nationally for both the men and the women.
Third: Volleyball.
The Lady Paladins will bring in four new players. Joining the Paladins in 2021 are Ava Augustson, Chandler Parker, Nicole Swindle and Bella Tolone. Head Coach Michelle Young had this to say about her new players: “We are so excited to welcome our next class of Furman volleyball players. They bring such a high level of athleticism, competitive spirit and volleyball IQ.”
Fourth: Tennis.
The men’s tennis team will welcome two newcomers to their roster: Elijah Poritzky and Connor Laymon. Head Coach J.J. Whitlinger said, “We are extremely excited to welcome Elijah and Connor to the Furman men’s tennis family. Both are exceptional students as well as players, and we can’t wait until they get to Greenville.” The women’s team has also added two players under Coach Adam Herendeen: Ellie Schulson and Sara Snyder.
Fifth: Soccer.
Head Coach Andrew Burr will add two to the women’s soccer team: Helen Gutierrez and Madison Luckett. These additions will position the Paladins well as they look to defend their regular season Conference title.
Next: Golf.
Head Coach Matt Davidson of the men’s golf team inked two new players for 2021:. Will Morlan and Trey Diehl. Davidson said, “We can’t wait for Will and Trey to join our Furman family next fall.” The women’s team also added a player to their roster: Savannah Hylton. Coach Hull said, “Savannah is an excellent player already and has tremendous potential to be one of the top players in the country. I have known Savannah and her family for a long time, and I am so excited that she finally gets to join our family!”
Finally: Softball.
Led by Coach Wally King, the Paladins will add ten players for 2021. The list of ten includes two players with National Team experience. Shelby Basso, Chloe Fabio, Chrissy Fleming, Claire Ginder, Hana Hashioka, Hannah Hollander, Alexis “Bam” Larrow, Kaitlyn Laudick, Ashlee Lykins, and Sierra Tufts will join the Paladins.
As Furman sports gear up for action in 2021, this incoming class of Freshmen will add to the growing excitement surrounding the future of Furman athletics.
