Next Level Goldbacks: NFA Celebrates 12 Athletic Spring Season Signings

The energy was electric in the NFA Gymnasium as family, coaches, and teammates gathered to celebrate a remarkable group of student-athletes. Twelve standout Goldbacks officially committed to continuing their academic and athletic journeys at the collegiate level this spring, spanning across Division I, II, and III programs. The group joins five student athletes who committed during previous seasons this year.

These scholars have balanced rigorous academics with elite-level competition, and their next chapters take them to prestigious institutions across the Northeast and beyond.

Division I Commits

• Cooper Merli (Wrestling): Joined by parents Amanda and Peter, Cooper is headed to USMA West Point.

• Amani Learry (Volleyball): Joined by Sheena Matthews and Prince Learry, Amani will take the court for Le Moyne College.

Division II Commits

• John Mena Jr (Track and Field): Joined by Yessenia Mena, John has signed with St. Thomas Aquinas University.

• Mateo Morell (Wrestling): Joining the mats at East Stroudsburg University.

Division III Commits

Softball

• Madison Gravel (Salutatorian)*: A staple of NFA athletics who also served as a leader in the Madrigals and Tri-M Honor Society, Madison was joined by parents Chris and Barbara as she committed to SUNY New Paltz.

• Liana Shaw*: Joined by Sumara Shaw, Liana is headed to SUNY Cobleskill.

• Autumn Norton*: Joined by Jessica and Joseph Norton, Autumn will play for SUNY Delhi.

Wrestling & Lacrosse

• William (Billy) Coughlin (Wrestling): Joined by Tina and Bill Coughlin, Billy committed to Western New England University.

• Madison Coughlin (Lacrosse): Joined by Tina Coughlin, Madison is headed to Alfred State College.

Volleyball, Baseball & Swimming

• Augustina White (Volleyball): Joined by Joselita and Craig White, Augustina will play for SUNY Plattsburgh.

• Joseph Santo* (Baseball): Joined by Jonelle and Joseph Santo, Joseph is headed to Keystone College.

• Vivian Piscitella (Swimming & Diving): Joined by Christine and John Piscitella, Vivian will compete for Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Congratulations to all our student-athletes! Your dedication, discipline, and Goldback pride have paved the way for this incredible milestone. We look forward to cheering you on as you compete at the next level.

*Students will be recognized at a later date, due to games that took place during this signing date. The date on the signing was pre-determined. Games that conflicted were re-scheduled due to weather.

PHOTOS | Next Level Goldbacks: NFA Celebrates 12 Athletic Spring Season Signings