By Kathryn Ortenzio, Staff Writer

Earlier this spring, two graduating student-athletes – Lauren Joyce and Lexi Salerno – committed to continuing their athletic careers in college.

Lexi S., joined by her parents, commits to running at Franklin & Marshall College. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Whelan)

Salerno, who was a captain of Trinity Hall’s cross country and track teams, will join the track and field team at Franklin & Marshall (F&M), a decision driven by F&M’s team values.

“Upon meeting the running team and other young women who applied ED to run, I knew F&M had the team dynamic I was looking for. Other schools’ teams seemed more individualized, but F&M really put an emphasis on team collaboration and commitment,” Salerno said.

Joyce, who was co-captain of the Monarchs’ state-championship swim team, will be attending Loyola University Maryland, where she’ll be a member of its NCAA Division I swimming and diving team. She looks forward to this new chapter, especially in terms of her athletic career.

“In swimming, I hope to be a contributor to the team during championship season and to reach my personal goals with my times in each of my events,” Joyce said.

Lauren J. will continue her swimming career at Loyola University Maryland. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Whelan)

Director of Athletics Ken Santos expressed his gratitude for the contributions both student-athletes have made over the past four years. “The hard work, leadership, perseverance, faith and respect with which Lauren and Lexi competed have allowed Trinity Hall to succeed in swimming, cross country, indoor track and outdoor track,” Santos said. “They have been fantastic role models for our underclasswomen. They have played a big part in creating the culture of our athletic program into one that is poised to continue its success. Both athletes have carried themselves with class and dignity over their four years and our program will miss them.”

Joyce and Salerno anticipate the difficulties that will come with balancing rigorous academic work and athletic commitments, but both feel they are ready to face that challenge based on their successful experience as a student-athlete at Trinity Hall and are excited to compete at the college level for the next four years.