(PHOTOS) Hopkins Athletes Commit to Colleges

Parents posed for photos with their children. Friends clapped them on the back. Wednesday was a big day for 10 Hopkins student-athletes who formally committed to play for college teams across the country.

The following students signed papers or formally committed to a college at National Signing Day event.

• Joe Brettingen: University of Minnesota (baseball)
• Siyani Chambers: Harvard University (basketball)
• Sydney Coffey: Marist College (basketball)  
• Miranda Hilgers: Northern Michigan University (volleyball)  
• Gracia Hutson: University of Vermont (basketball)
• Nick Jorgenson: Air Force (Prep School) (basketball)
• Taylor Lockett: Duquesne University (volleyball)  
• Morgan Nybo: Minnesota State University Moorhead (softball)
• Tim Shannon: University of Michigan (baseball)
• Abby Whritenour: Minnesota State University, Mankato (softball)

Dan Johnson, director of athletics and activities, noted that the students excel off the field as well as on it. Together, they have a cumulative 3.94 GPA. All of them are ranked in the top 10 or 12 percent of their class.

“They’re just 10 young people we’re so proud of,” Johnson said.

Chambers said he can’t wait to head off to Harvard. He enjoyed his visit to the college and how people there followed up afterward—often sending him text messages to ask how he was doing.

But on Wednesday, the senior was enjoying the support of friends and family who came out to congratulate him.

“I’m just excited to get out there right away,” Chambers said. “It means a lot. It shows that all my hard work has paid off.”