Signing Day at St. Stephen’s: 12 Spartans Commit to Play Collegiate Sports

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School celebrated National Signing Day on Wednesday, February 5, honoring twelve Spartans who have committed to playing collegiate sports. Families, faculty, staff, coaches and peers filled the stands in Clayton Gym. Athletic Director Jon McCain kicked off the ceremony, noting that not only has this group of senior athletes made significant contributions to the Spartan athletic programs, but their impact will also be long-lasting.

 

“I have seen our teams thrive because of the commitment and dedication of these athletes, and today we honor their hard work,” remarked McCain. “I also want to extend my gratitude to our coaches, Spartan parents, faculty and staff for their support of our athletes’ individual pursuits.”

 

Each coach introduced and shared remarks about their athletes.

 

Graham Boles, Davidson College, Cross Country/Track & Field

“Graham is an extremely consistent and hard worker,” remarked Cross Country Coach Greg Cook. “He attacks each workout with enthusiasm and never shies away from a challenge. He is also a very strategic and thoughtful competitor — going into each race with a well-thought-out plan that will help maximize his chances of winning.” 

 

Dawson Burrell, Dartmouth College, Soccer

“Dawson can do anything he sets his mind to,” remarked Soccer Academy Director Shane Maguire. “He lights up a room and never goes unnoticed on the field. His athleticism is unmatched, he’s a beast on the field and his soccer skills are fantastic. Other than keeping quiet for five minutes, there is nothing this young man cannot do when he sets his mind to it.” 

 

Charlie Dugan, Hobart College, Boys Volleyball

“Charlie pushes his peers around him to be their best because that is what he expects of himself,” said Boys Volleyball Coach Dakota Goin. “His hustle is unmatched. From racing to get the balls back in the ball carts the fastest to finishing a drill first to the countless days we’ve stayed after practice to put extra work in — Charlie is one of the most hardworking kids I’ve had the pleasure to coach and I know no challenge is too big for him.”

Charlie Hubbard, Carnegie Mellon University, Golf

“Charlie set a new standard for performance and became the pillar that held up our team,” said Golf Coach Garrett Brustein. “Although golf is an individual sport, Charlie is always there to build up and help his teammates. He is the ideal athlete for any coach. Not only is he an amazing player but he’s a great person as well. Due to his effort and dedication to our team, we now have a roster of almost 40 kids and we have high hopes for our chances to bring home some trophies this year.”

Brady Lason, Sarah Lawrence College, Basketball

“Brady’s presence extends beyond his stature,” wrote Basketball Coach Christian Spencer. “Whether he’s sharing a hilarious dad joke or debating about which chicken spots are the best, one thing is undeniable: his passion and commitment to the things he loves. And he loves basketball. In my time at St. Stephen’s nobody has gone through more adversity than Brady and it’s a testament to his strength and resilience that he is here now. I am incredibly proud of him.”

 

Addie Bae Magruder, Trinity College, Field Hockey

“Addie Bae is the kind of athlete every coach wants on their squad,” wrote Field Hockey Coach Chelsea Richards. “Not only does she have an unmatched competitive drive and consistently models an attitude of improvement, but she is also one of the most empathetic athletes that I’ve ever coached. Empathy, as soft as it may sound in a highly competitive environment, is the glue that cements a selfless team culture. I can’t wait to see how her genuine selflessness impacts her next squad for the better.” 

 

Zach Prager, Johns Hopkins University, Baseball

“Zach and I first met when he was in 7th grade when I coached him on a local select team,” commented Baseball Coach Steven Elder. “The first time I saw him throw the baseball, I knew right then and there he would go on to play at the next level. His arm was electric and his work ethic was second to none. His leadership is monumental to our success as a program, and the foundation that he has helped build and the standard he has set for the program is greatly appreciated.”

 

Trey Phillips, North Park University, Boys Volleyball

“If you are not familiar with the libero position, it is not for the faint of heart,” remarked Boys Volleyball Coach Dakota Goin. “You are constantly hitting the floor and going all out to keep the ball in play. In Trey's case, this includes chairs as he takes pride in the number of chairs he's broken from diving into the bench to keep a ball up. I hope North Park has plenty of chairs ready to replace the ones he will inevitably run through for his team because Trey will leave it all on the court.”

 

Clara Rogers, Cornell University, Field Hockey

“When you watch Clara play hockey, it often looks effortless,” remarked Field Hockey Coach Chelsea Richards. “She analyzes ball movement, connects passes two steps ahead of her opponents, or executes a perfect sweep that breaks multiple lines. What you can’t see — or what’s sometimes easy to forget — in those fluid moments of a competitive match are the hours and hours that Clara has logged mastering technical skills and studying the game. She’s someone who has truly embraced the student-athlete title here, and I know that same approach will serve her well in the Ivy League.”

 

Gabe Sahely, Macalester College, Basketball

“Gabe has been a shining example of what it means to be a Spartan Athlete,” wrote Basketball Coach Christian Spencer. “His work ethic combined with his thirst for improvement will show that he has only scratched the surface of his true potential. I am proud to transition from coach to fan, and I plan to cheer him on from Austin next winter. Macalester is lucky to have him!”

 

Henry Shore, Le Tourneau University, Soccer

“Henry loves the game,” said Soccer Academy Director Shane Maguire. “He has shown commitment and tenacity to overcome frustrating injuries. He has spent as much time with a ball on Phipps [Field] as any field hockey player —but we can’t let Coach Richards know that. LeTourneau is excited to have a player join their program next fall who can make an immediate impact, and I’m happy to watch him thrive at the next level.” 

 

Claire Wan, Dartmouth College, Golf

“Claire is exactly what any coach wishes for,” remarked Golf Coach Greg Brustein. “She’s someone who is amazing at the sport and also a wonderful human who is kind to her teammates and opponents. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had parents or coaches from other schools approach me at tournaments to praise not only Claire’s game but also her character. I am excited to see her take on the next level of competition!”

On average, nearly 10% of St. Stephen’s graduates continue playing their sport at the collegiate level. The school’s Varsity teams compete regionally in the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC). 

“Athletics plays a central role in the St. Stephen’s experience, and it’s reassuring to know that these Spartan athletes will go on to bigger arenas and have a greater impact beyond The Hill,” said McCain.

Photo: (Top row L to R) Charlie Hubbard '25, Zach Prager '25, Charlie Dugan '25, Brady Lason '25, Gabe Sahely '25, Henry Shore '25, Graham Boles '25. (Bottom row L to R) Trey Phillips '25, Addie Bae Magruder '25, Clara Rogers '25, Clare Wan '25, Dawson Burrell '25