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Eleven Academy Seniors Commit to Compete at the Collegiate Level

Albany Academy Athletic A in red with a navy blue outline and the text "WINTER SCHOLAR-ATHLETES"

Wednesday afternoon marked a milestone moment at Albany Academy as the community gathered to honor 11 more members of the Class of 2026 who have officially committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

The Upper School community, along with families and coaches, gathered in Caird Chapel to celebrate the accomplishments of these student-athletes who will go on to compete at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels. With commitments that reflect a range of sports and colleges, this group showcases the depth, talent, and tradition of excellence within Academy athletics.

Nationally, only seven percent of graduating classes go on to compete at the collegiate level. The Albany Academy Class of 2026 is shattering that benchmark — with 25 student-athletes committing to NCAA opportunities (read about the fall commitments here), fully 25% of their class will compete in college. It's a testament to the talent and dedication of these athletes, and it puts this year among the highest participation rates in recent Academy history.

Below is the list of spring collegiate signees and their next destinations:

Sanai Bedell - UAlbany, Cheerleading
Josiah Hyman - Suffolk University, Basketball
Kate Kostanoski - Endicott College,  Lacrosse
Xavier Lopez - University of Tampa, Basketball
David Merchant - Manhattan College, Track & Field
Evie Reich - UAlbany, Rowing
Amia Rodriguez - Roberts Wesleyan University, Basketball
Logan Rodriguez - Marist University, Basketball
Tanner Smith - SUNY Potsdam, Lacrosse
Olivier Tellier - University of Ottawa, Lacrosse
Cristin Thibeault - Rochester Institute of Technology, Cheerleading

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and Go Academy!

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