Student-Athletes Sign to D1 Schools
By Julianne Mason '22 and Valerie Krinke '22, Communications Apprentices
November 10, 2021
Today, November 10, the Cretin-Derham Hall community came together to celebrate the six seniors signing National Letters of Intent to play their sport for D1 colleges.
“I'm very proud of all of our signees! Putting in the work to play college sports at the highest level is a great accomplishment and I'm excited for all of their futures. I'm confident they will go out and represent CDH in the best way possible. Wherever they end up on their journey, CDH will always be home and they are always welcome! Once a Raider always a Raider,” said Phil Archer '99, Athletic Director.
Lily Geist '22, Girls Hockey, Stonehill College (Easton, MA), Business
Why did you choose Stonehill College? I wanted to go to a smaller school where I can get more focus on my education, more one-on-one time with teachers, and it’s a better fit for my learning. I love the campus and that you have to live on campus all four years so it creates a better sense of community. Also, I love the coach because she has really good goals for the program and has a good work ethic.
What do you love about hockey? I love the friendships that I’ve made from hockey and having something to do every day. It’s taught me a lot about hard work and how to be a team player and work with others.
What is your best CDH hockey memory? Sophomore year when we won our hope opener game against Stillwater and the student section went crazy!
Why are you excited to play hockey in college? That’s been my biggest dream ever since I learned what Division 1 hockey was. I’m excited to be a part of something new. I’m excited for the challenge and I think it will help me in the future
From the coach: Lily Geist is a high-character leader as a student-athlete with amazing skills and abilities! She possesses game-changing speed and strength. Lily has a very high hockey IQ and possesses one of the hardest shots in the state. She leads by example with her persistent and determined effort in the classroom and on the ice. Lily plays hockey with passion and enthusiasm - she’s a joy to coach! - Head Coach Tony Scheid
Tre Holloman '22, Boys Basketball, Michigan State University, Business or Sports Management
Why did you choose Michigan State? I loved the coaching staff and the head coach is also a hall of fame coach. When I visited, everyone just seemed like a family and it felt like another home to me.
What do you love about basketball? I love everything about basketball. The fans, my teammates that I’ve had, and my coaches. I’ve also been playing basketball since I was three.
What is your best CDH basketball memory? Sophomore year when Curtis Jones '20 hit the game-winning shot to go to state. Last year when I hit the game-winning shot to go to state. Two years in a row!
Why are you excited to play basketball in college? The atmosphere during the games. It has a different vibe, its intensity and its competitiveness are what draw me to it.
From the coach: Tre Holloman has been our starting point guard since 9th grade, and he continues to improve his game by working tirelessly to get better every day. I have not coached anyone with more leadership skills, drive, and determination to not only be a great player but also a great teammate. It has been a true pleasure to coach this young man and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. - Head Coach Jerry Kline '93.
Luke Leonidas '22, Boys Swimming & Diving, University of Minnesota, Marketing
Why did you choose UMN? I know people who have gone to the U of M in the past, and I’ve heard their good experiences.
What do you love about swimming? I have always had fun on swim teams, and I want to continue that.
What is your best CDH swimming memory? The swim team at CDH has helped me build many friendships.
Why are you excited to swim in college? I'm excited to up the level of competition.
From the coach: Luke Leonidas is a leader. He sets the example, he leads by his actions, and he does not complain. His determination, perseverance, and hard work in the pool are why we are here today. He is a three-time All-Conference Swimmer, a two-time Section Champion in the 100 Backstroke, an All-State Swimmer, and just missed being an All-American swimmer last year by five one-hundredths of a second. Luke is the school record holder in the 200 IM and is the only swimmer in CDH school history to achieve a top 20 time in every swimming event. While he will be dearly missed next year, we wish him the very best as he swims for the Gophers at the U of Minnesota. - Head Coach Mike Steineman '92.
Luci Selander '22, Girls Lacrosse, Butler University (Indianapolis, IN), Health Sciences
Why did you choose Butler University? I chose Butler because it has a very good health sciences major (top in the Midwest) and the campus is beautiful. It is a small college with a big college feel. When I went to visit the campus for the first time I loved it and knew that I wanted to spend my next four years at Butler.
What do you love about lacrosse? I love meeting new people and building connections around the country with teammates. I love that I get to do something that I love every day while playing with the people that I have made connections with through my years.
What is your best CDH lacrosse memory? My favorite memory is from ninth grade when my team went to state by winning in overtime against Minnehaha in the semifinals and against Rosemount in the championship. This really connected me with my team when I was just a freshman.
Why are you excited to swim in college? It’s been a huge dream of mine to play lacrosse in college and I’m glad I got to achieve my dream. I am also glad I get to go into college with a team and the ability to workout and practice at a high level.
From the coach: Luci has played a huge role in the CDH Lax program’s success in the last three years. She will be a four-year starter as well as named team captain two years in a row. Luci is one of the hardest-working kids I’ve had the chance to coach. She is always looking to compete whether that is in practice or games. This hard work can be seen in her stats, in the two full seasons she has played, she has over 100 goals, 30 assists and 75 draw controls. Luci is also an awesome team player who is always eager to teach/coach new or younger players the game of lacrosse. Luci’s hard work, skill and leadership will be greatly missed next season! I can’t wait to see all she accomplishes on & off the field at Butler! - Head Coach Sheala Osborne '15.
Cooper Smith '22, Baseball, University of St. Thomas, Finance or Business
Why did you choose UST? I chose UST because it’s a great school academically and also has a close-knit community - also I think it will be fun to be part of the switch to Division 1.
What do you love about baseball? What I love about baseball is the friendships made. It’s a game that requires you to rely on your teammates, you can’t succeed in baseball alone and it grows great relationships because of this.
What is your best CDH baseball memory? Going to the section finals vs Stillwater my junior year and beating STA.
Why are you excited to play baseball in college? I’m excited for college baseball because of the travel and places I’ll get to see. Also meeting new people and competing against some of the best in the nation.
From the coach: Cooper is an incredibly talented athlete that has a bright future ahead of him both on the mound, as well as off the field, at the University of St. Thomas. His overall athleticism, ability to learn the game, and his fearless approach to pitching will continue to set him up for success on the field. With a great family and excellent achievements in the classroom as well, Cooper will continue to be a great example of a true Raider athlete. - Head Coach Mike Kvasnicka
Ben Weber '22, Baseball, U.S. Air Force Academy, Business or Engineering
Why did you choose the Air Force Academy? I really liked the coaching staff and after I went on a visit and saw the campus at USAFA I knew that was the place where I could excel. The opportunities there are unlike any others I’ve seen.
What do you love about baseball? I love competing and spending time with my friends as well. Baseball is the perfect match of competition and downtime.
What is your best CDH baseball memory? Going to the sections championship last year for baseball and pitching in the semifinal game that we won.
Why are you excited to play baseball in college? Playing college baseball has been a dream of mine since I started playing baseball as a toddler. I’m excited to go to a place where I can continue to develop and hopefully play professional baseball.
From the coach: A natural born leader, Ben's unmatched work ethic, high character, and selflessness are all invaluable assets to his Raider Baseball team. A student of the game, Ben has limitless potential as he will undoubtedly combine his natural athletic ability with tireless training and development. The Raider Baseball coaching staff couldn't be more proud of Ben and excited for his future at Air Force Academy and thereafter. Ben has proven to be a poster child for what CDH Athletics is all about - high achievement in the classroom, on the field of play, and in life. - Head Coach Mike Kvasnicka.
