IT WAS A SPECIAL GROUP OF STUDENT-ATHLETES IN THE CLASS OF 2022 AT KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL.

Seven athletes signed to play at the collegiate level. They take away fond memories and life-lessons they learned as a Tiger, which has them prepared for the next level.

Running back Ethan Joseph has been the Tigers’ No. 1 option on offense for a few year while being a tremendous leader in the locker room. He is off to the University of Arkansas to play for the Hogs.

“My teachers were amazing and if they weren’t pushing me in the classroom, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities to play at the next level,” Joseph said. “Definitely, the education was special.”

Multi-sport star Charlie Jones starred on the football field, but baseball is his future. Jones signed with Air Force in the fall to play a corner infield position and wields a powerful bat.

“King’s Ridge was a game-changer for me spiritually,” Jones said. “Growing up in the school helped me find God and to play through him.”

Noah Smith, who anchored the offensive line for several seasons at King’s Ridge, is also a star in the classroom. He is headed to John’s Hopkins University to play football.

“Our college counselors have helped me walk through the process every step of the way,” Smith said. “I know what to be prepared for when I step on campus.”

Track and field star John Robinson heads west in the fall to run for the UCLA Bruins. Robinson has been stellar on the oval, in the classroom and behind the camera for the Tigers. He’s a talented photographer.

“It’s all about time management,” Robinson said. “King’s Ridge has been very supportive helping me reach my goals. Balancing academics and track can be challenging but I’ve had great support along the way.”

Traveling and practicing as an elite prep golfer can be taxing.

Jack Schoenberger ran the gauntlet and will be playing next year at Belmont College in Nashville. He also credits King’s Ridge’s flexibility and his teachers working with him during his high school career.

“Balancing both is really tough especially for a high-level golfer,” Schoenberger said. “King’s Ridge has an incredible culture in the classroom. They want you to succeed and will go the extra mile to help you.”

Dean Giacobbe has a nose for the ball. He’s as tough as they come as a linebacker for the football team and a defenseman in lacrosse. He will be heading to Rollins College in Florida to play for the Tars lacrosse team.

“King’s Ridge prepares you for college, whether it be academically, athletically or spiritually,” Giacobbe said. “It’s a special place and I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else.”

Kate Ares, who played volleyball and soccer, was the seventh athlete to sign and she is headed to play volleyball at Bates.

Ares credits King’s Ridge with preparing her to be a student-athlete at the next level. The senior chose Bates for the academics as well as the volleyball program and she’s confident she can manage her time well to be successful at both.

Coaches look forward to following Ares’ career at Bates, Coach Corsillo says “Kate is a tremendous athlete, she’s motivated to succeed, and I wish her the best in this next chapter.”

All seven left their legacies, but it’s been the culture within the walls of King’s Ridge that have helped them reach their goals.