11 seniors from Saint Ursula Academy participated in a signing ceremony on Thursday, April 22, 2021 to announce their intent to play college sports.
Greta Betz will play soccer at Creighton University. Greta is the proud daughter of Julie and Jeff Betz and resides in Anderson.
Caitlyn Clements will swim for St. Bonaventure University. Caitlyn is the proud daughter of Lauren and Joe Clements from St. Bernard.
Claire Dillard will play lacrosse at Eastern Michigan University. Claire is the proud daughter of Debbie and Ken Dillard and resides in Milford.
Emma Grome will play volleyball at the University of Kentucky. Emma is the proud daughter of Nann and Carl Grome and resides in Loveland.
Kristen Hammond will join the rowing team at The Ohio State University. Kristen is the proud daughter of Connie and Chris Hammond from College Hill.
Annie McGee will join the rowing team at the University of San Diego. Annie is the proud daughter of Tara and Josh McGee from Mt. Lookout.
Kate McGee will join the rowing team at the University of Virginia. Annie is the proud daughter of Tara and Josh McGee from Mt. Lookout.
Izzy Mitchell will play beach volleyball at Tulane University. Izzy is the proud daughter of Amy and Brian Mitchell and resides in Terrace Park.
Elizabeth Pendergast will play tennis at the University of Cincinnati. Elizabeth is the proud daughter of Dawn and Jack Pendergast and lives in Montgomery.
Ellie Ramer will play soccer at the University of Findlay. Ellie is the proud daughter of Kelly and Brian Ramer and lives in Cleves.
Shamia Strayhorn will play basketball at Wheeling University. Shamia is the proud daughter of Chauna and Victor Strayhorn and lives in Mt. Healthy.
Greta Betz
Greta Betz will play soccer next fall for Creighton University. The Division 1 Creighton University Bluejays compete in the Big East Conference.
Greta is a four-year soccer player for the Bulldogs, playing on the JVA team her freshman year and then at the varsity level starting her sophomore year. Greta’s play during her junior year earned her GGCL Second Team recognition, and her senior year she earned GGCL First Team honors. During her senior season, Greta served as a co-captain and earned the Coach’s Award for her overall play, tenacity on the field, and positive spirit.
Greta has been on Saint Ursula’s honor roll for most quarters while at Saint Ursula, moving from Second Honor recognition her freshman year to First Honors level her sophomore through senior year. Greta serves her fellow SUA students by being a PAL leader during her junior and senior years.
Saint Ursula Soccer Coach Dan Barraza has this to say about Greta: “Greta embodies a work ethic, leadership and passion for the game that is special. Her play elevates the play of the team to always give their best on the field. She was a pleasure to work with and has all of the abilities to be extremely successful at Creighton University.”
Caitlyn Clements
Caitlyn Clements will swim next year for St. Bonaventure University. As a Bonnie, Caitlyn will compete against other Division 1 schools in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Caitlyn competed as an Aquadawg on the varsity level for all four years she has been a Saint Ursula student, competing at the section and district meet every year, and at the OHSAA state championship meet her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Caitlyn trains and also competes with the Cincinnati Marlins and swam at the 2021 ISCA National Meet in Florida.
The GGCL has recognized Caitlyn’s pool accomplishments with First Team honors in 2018-19, 2019-20, and for a third time this past season. She won the 50 Freestyle for two years in a row at the GGCL Meet. Caitlyn also has earned All-City recognition in 2019 and has been a member of the National Team since the summer of 2019. She has achieved the ISCA Time Standard in the 50 Freestyle. Caitlyn was also presented the Bulldog Award her sophomore year by her SUA swim coaches for her persistence and growth and was a captain of the team this past season.
Caitlyn has been on the Academic honor roll on the First Honors level 13 out of 15 eligible quarters at Saint Ursula. She is active outside of the pool, serving as a social justice leader who leads mission collection programming, volunteers in SUA’s Bulldog Boost, and is a member of the STEMinist club. Caitlyn also had volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House for 2 years.
Saint Ursula Swim Coach Erin Gartner has this to say about Caitlyn: “Caitlyn has grown as an athlete, a competitor, and a leader throughout her 4 years as an Aquadawg. Her desire is unmatched and she has routinely put in the work needed to ensure she is performing at her best. She was a huge contributor to our successes as a team this year, including representing the team at the state level and winning an event at the GGCL meet. Caitlyn consistently sets a positive example for her teammates through her performance in the water and her desire to see the team succeed. I look forward to seeing Caitlyn carry these qualities into her college swimming career and St. Bonaventure is lucky to be getting Caitlyn as a student-athlete.”
Coach Brad Isham has this to say about Caitlyn: “Caitlyn is an outstanding person and leader. She sets an example and commitment in every aspect to her team that earns the utmost respect of her teammates and coaches. Caitlyn's outstanding swimming and leadership will be greatly missed and very hard to replace.”
Claire Dillard
Claire Dillard will play lacrosse next year at Eastern Michigan University. Located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the Division 1 Eastern Michigan Eagles are part of the Mid-American Conference, which will be recognizing women’s lacrosse as a conference sport for the first time next year.
Claire played her first year on the JV lacrosse team, following that with three years on the varsity level. In addition to playing for the Bulldogs, Claire also competed on club teams Major Force Lacrosse and FCA Lacrosse Cincy. Claire also ran cross country for one season as a Bulldog.
Although her junior high school lacrosse season was canceled due to the COVID pandemic, Claire has competed and developed her skills in the club league. She is starting defender for MFL’s highest-ranked team and has the opportunity to start and play on a nationally televised game against one of the top-ranked teams in the country. This certainly caught the attention of her future Eastern Michigan University coach, who said, “Claire's size and aggressiveness make her a force in the midfield and defensive end. She is versatile and can go where we need her to play.”
Claire has been on the Saint Ursula Academic honor roll for every quarter while at Saint Ursula, earning First Honor recognition in every quarter. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar and her AP scores have earned her AP Scholar with Honors recognition. Claire is co-president of SUA’s Ohio Junior Classical League and a member of the National Honor Society. She serves her fellow students in her role as a PAL and serves the school in the Ambassador program.
Saint Ursula lacrosse coach Todd Graham has this to say about Claire: “I’d like to congratulate Claire Dillard on her decision to play for Eastern Michigan University and Coach Jackson at the next level. It would be easy to talk about Claire’s leadership, drive, and determination on the field as well as in the classroom. Respect by her teammates is a given both on and off the field. She’s always had the “tools” to play the game of lacrosse at a high level. But Claire’s path was different. She’s a young lady with many talents and it wasn’t necessarily her first dream to play lax in college. I believe she wrestled with a few options and choices. But from the moment she decided on her path, she never waivered. I would find her working out at ProForce to improve not only her strength and stamina but her speed and agility. Something that only comes through hard work and hours of determination. On the field, her competitiveness and determination are unmistakable. A varsity player for SUA since her sophomore year, she’s someone we could always count on in the midfield playing tenacious defense as well as being a constant threat on the offensive end of the field. Congratulations on a storied high school career, we can’t wait to see what you do at the next level.”
Major Force Lacrosse coach Lisa Mitchelides said this about Claire: “Success is found in many ways and by following different paths specific to the plan and the person. Claire Dillard is a prime example of that. Claire is not only a very dedicated student who outperforms most of her peers but also an amazing player and person. Claire came to Major Force Lacrosse later in the recruiting process and faced many challenges because of COVID-19 and the economy. She never walked off her path. She continued to work hard, stay focused on her future, and dedicated to her game. When all things were against her, she never faltered. We are so excited for Claire. We know her leadership skills, strong work ethic, and drive will do great things for her at Eastern Michigan University. When Coach Jackson reached out to me about potential athletes who would offer her a strong foundation to her program without any hesitancy, I knew Claire was that person. We want to congratulate Claire on her successes and also on her bright and promising future. We will look to watch her as she helps build the future for Eastern Michigan University Women’s Lacrosse program.
Emma Grome
Emma Grome will play volleyball next year for the University of Kentucky. Located in Lexington, KY, UK is a Division 1 school that plays in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Emma played varsity volleyball for the Bulldogs for all four years and was the only senior member of the team this past season. Emma set the Saint Ursula career assist record this past season.
Emma’s accomplishments on the court earned her GGCL and All-District recognition each year, with Second Team GGCL and District recognition in 2017 and then First Team GGCL recognition for her final three years and First Team All-District for her final two years as a Bulldog. Emma also earned Second Team All-State recognition in 2019. The Cincinnati Enquirer choose Emma as a Fall All-Star each year since 2017 and PrepVolleyball placed Emma on numerous honor lists throughout her four years, including being named PrepVolleyball All American in 2018-19. On the club level, Emma was named to the 2020 Ultra Ankle JVA All-National Team, was part of the Girls’ Junior National Championship in 2018, and the 15 Open All-Tournament Team.
Emma has been on the academic honor roll 11 out of 15 quarters while at Saint Ursula, earning First Honors in all but one of those quarters. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. Emma co-founded the Food and Nutrition Club, and this year served as GAA Board Co-President. Emma serves the school as a member of Students for Advancement and was a BARC tutor.
Saint Ursula volleyball coach Kevin Lucas has this to say about Emma: “Emma Grome is one of the best athletes and competitors to ever come through SUA. A four-year starter, Emma made an immediate impact on the success of this program, leading the Bulldogs to three consecutive district championships. She was recognized on all-league teams for all four of her years, including three first-team all-league selections. Her list of individual accolades is long and impressive, including 2nd team all-state as a junior, and in her senior year achieving 1st team all-state and 1st team AVCA/Under Armour All American. Emma leaves SUA as our all-time leader in assists. We will miss Emma's drive and fearless attitude in our gym and look forward to watching her continue her career at Kentucky.”
Emma’s club coach, Matt Long, has this to say: “Emma Grome is a true competitor. Hard work, determination, and focus are just a few words to describe her. She singlehandedly changed the game with her court awareness and ability to just figure out how to win games. I cannot wait to see her positive impact at the next level.”
Kristen Hammond
Kristen Hammond will be trading her swim cap next season for oars and will row next year for The Ohio State University. The Division 1 Buckeyes compete in the Big 10 conference.
Kristen has been part of the Aquadawgs swim program for all four years and was part of the Aquadawg’s state teams her freshmen, sophomore, and junior years. In addition to competing for SUA, Kristen was part of the sectional team for the Cincinnati Marlins and the national team for the Powel Crosley Tiger Sharks.
The GGCL has recognized Kristen for her accomplishments, with First Team recognition after her freshman and sophomore years, and Honorable Mention in her junior year. Kristen was selected on the All Ohio team in 2019. This past season, injury prevented Kristen from competing in the pool to continue her success.
Kristen has been on the academic honor roll each quarter at Saint Ursula. Kristen’s leadership, service, and character earned her membership in the National Honor Society. Kristen is active in SUA’s Student Outreach Services organization.
Saint Ursula Swim Coach Erin Gartner has this to say about Kristen: “Kristen is a strong and talented athlete. She has a competitive drive and has been a fantastic teammate throughout her time as an Aquadawg. Her positive attitude and team spirit give her the ability to support and lift up her teammates when they need encouragement. These qualities and her abilities in the pool should allow her to successfully transition to her new sport. I look forward to seeing what Kristen can do as a member of the Ohio State rowing team.”
Annie McGee
Annie McGee will row next year for the University of San Diego. Located in San Diego, California, the Division 1 San Diego Toreros compete in the Pacific-12 Conference (PAC-12).
Annie just recently took up rowing and joined the Varsity boat for Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club in the fall.
Annie’s academic performance has developed while a student at Saint Ursula, making the honor roll every quarter during her junior and senior years. Annie’s leadership, service, and character qualified her for the National Honor Society. She is active outside of the classroom as well, especially with service learning. Annie is a Bulldog Buddies leader and a member of the service organization SOS. Annie serves her fellow students as a PAL and is a member of the Earth Club.
Andy Piepmeier, coach at Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club, says this about Annie: “Annie is one of the most natural athletes I have coached. With very little experience rowing, Annie joined the varsity team this past fall and has become one of the fastest and strongest girls on the team and she keeps getting better. She is easy to coach because she listens and makes changes, but also because she is kind and supportive of her teammates. I'm excited for her to continue rowing in San Diego.”
Kate McGee
Kate McGee will row next year for the University of Virginia. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, UVA is a Division 1 school that competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Kate rowed for the Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club for the past five. In that time, she competed in the first varsity boat both her freshman and sophomore years at the National Championships. Kate has been part of an impressive CJRC program which has won the Midwest Championship for the past 19 years.
Kate has been on the Saint Ursula Academic Honor for each quarter she has been a student at Saint Ursula, with most of those quarter earning First Honor recognition. Kate is a co-president of the GAA Board and serves our school through Student for Advancement. Kate is also a member of the Earth Club.
Andy Piepmeier, coach at Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club, says this about Kate: “Kate's determination and competitiveness set her apart from most of the girls I've coached. She is courageous and looks for a challenge. In the past year, especially, I have appreciated her leadership and the example she sets by the way she approaches practices, races, or whatever situation. She is calm and focused. She has been a big part of our successes the past four years, and Virginia is lucky to have her.”
Izzy Mitchell
Izzy Mitchell will play beach volleyball next year for Tulane University. The Division 1 Tulane Green Wave play in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Izzy played volleyball for the Bulldogs her freshman and sophomore years on the JV team and served as captain of the JV during her sophomore year season. She moved her talents outdoors to compete in the beach competitions and has served up many honors, including being USAV National Semifinalists in 2017 and 2018 (with fellow Bulldog Emma Grome), USAV Beachfest Champion, and AVP ECC National Champion in 2019, and SSOVA National Runner-Up in 2020. Izzy ranked #2 in the USAV National Rankings in 2019.
Izzy has consistently earned Frist Honors or Second Honors on Saint Ursula’s Academic Honor Roll. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was one of three students chosen to represent SUA at the UEN Ursuline Schools Conference in June 2019. Izzy is very active with activities outside the classroom. She was a leader for both the Personal Care Drive and the school’s DRIVE campaigns. She serves the school as an Ambassador, an Ambassador Liaison, and as a member of Students for Advancement. She is a PAL, a member of GAA, and a member of the Campus Ministry Council. And in her spare time, she serves on the Freestore Foodbank fundraiser committee.
Izzy’s SUA coaches, Kris Schulte and Kathy Dorger, have this to say about Izzy: “Izzy was a 6-rotation player for the JV squad at SUA for 2 seasons. Izzy is very athletic and proved very versatile on the court. She made a great contribution to our team both seasons that she played with us. She was one of the best serve receivers on our team. In addition, she showed strength in her ability to read the opponents' offense resulting in making great defensive plays. Izzy could light it up in an instant and when she did, she was a dynamic force.”
Elizabeth Pendergast
Elizabeth Pendergast will play tennis next year for the University of Cincinnati. UC is a Division 1 school and plays in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Elizabeth played for three seasons on the Varsity A team as a Bulldog. In those three seasons, Elizabeth racked up 48 career singles wins as the number one player and had a 19-1 record as first singles this past season. She was chosen as the team MVP two years in a row and was co-captain of the team this past season. This year, she was State Champion, winning the OHSAA Division 1 Singles Tournament this past season.
The GGCL has recognized Elizabeth’s accomplishments, making GGCL First Team her freshman year, and then being selected as GGCL Player of the Year in both 2019 and 2020. She is nominated for this year’s Cincinnati Enquirer D1 Player of the Year.
Elizabeth is a two-time Champion of the Coaches Classic Tournament and was named the GCTCA D1 Player of the Year. She made the OHSAA All Ohio First Team.
Elizabeth’s has moved up in the ranking of the tennis world. She is ranked in the top 20 in the Midwest and 4th in the Ohio Valley. She is a 4-Star recruit on Tennis Recruiting, with a Universal Tennis Rating of 9 and ranking 89th nationally. She is a National Doubles Champion and won the Ohio Valley’s 18’s Doubles with SUA student Taylor Kuncl. Elizabeth has competed in and won a number of other Midwest and national tournaments.
Elizabeth has been on the Academic Honor roll every quarter since her sophomore year, earning First Honors level in most of those quarters. She serves the school as a member of Student for Advancement and also participates in the school’s Competitive Crafting and Ski Club.
Elizabeth’s Saint Ursula tennis coach, Jason Woods, had this to say: “Elizabeth is truly one of the hardest working student-athletes that I have had the pleasure of coaching. She is the ultimate competitor who did whatever asked of her and was widely respected by her peers across the city and state. She earned all of the awards and accolades that she received over the last four years through her many years of hard work and countless hours honing her game on the tennis court. I am extremely proud of her and honored to have been her coach at SUA. Elizabeth will go down in school history as one of the best, if not THE best tennis player in SUA tennis program history. I look forward to watching her compete at the collegiate level for Coach Toth’s Bearcat tennis team where I know she will continue to shine.”
Ellie Ramer
Ellie Ramer will play soccer next fall for the University of Findlay. The Division II Findlay Oilers play in the Great Midwest Conference.
Ellie played three seasons for the Bulldogs. Her freshman and sophomore year playing on the JVA team, and then her junior year playing on the varsity level. Ellie was part of the 2019 GGCL conference champion team that went undefeated in conference play that year.
Ellie is active in club soccer, playing on the 2018 Ohio State Cup Runner Up team and competing in the 2019 USYS National Championships. She participates in the Cincinnati United Premier Girls Academy.
Ellie has earned First Honors on Saint Ursula’s honor roll every quarter while a student at Saint Ursula, which also gives her the All-Southwest Academic Award recognition for her 2019 varsity season. Ellie is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. She serves her fellow students by being a PAL and serves the greater SUA community with her work on Students for Advancement. Ellie is active in the school's SOS program, the Food and Nutrition Club, and GAA.
Ellie’s club coach, Scott Rodgers, has this to say about Ellie: “Ellie is a new player to our CUP GA program. We are very happy that she joined us. She has quietly and effectively established herself as a very valued defender who can compete at the highest of levels. Her work rate and competitiveness are just two of her great strengths. Combine those with her positive attitude, mental toughness, and perseverance it’s without question that the University of Findley is adding a great player to their program. It is an honor to work with a student-athlete like Ellie who manages both her academic excellence with the demanding schedule of being a high-level athlete. The future is very bright for Ellie. Thank you for taking us on your journey.”
Shamia Strayhorn
Shamia Strayhorn will play basketball next year for Wheeling University. Located in Wheeling, West Virginia, the Cardinals play as a Division II school in the Mountain East Conference.
Shamia was a four-year varsity starter for the Bulldogs, playing the point guard position all four years. Shamia led the team in points per game all four years, but she increased her production from 8.5 points per game as a freshman to 14.5 points per game as a senior. Over her career, Shamia contributed 939 points total over four years. In that time, she also led the team in assists, increasing from 19 assists her freshman year to 34 assists her senior year.
The GGCL recognized Shamia’s accomplishments, naming her GGCL Second Team in each of her first two seasons, and then GGCL First Team after her junior and senior seasons. She was also chosen as 2nd team All-District. Shamia has also participated in SUA’s Track and Field team. She was chosen as track Rookie of the Year after her freshman year, and at the conclusion of her sophomore year, Shamia earned GGCL Second Team for her performance in the long jump.
Shamia has earned Second Honors on the Academic Honor Roll while a student at Saint Ursula. She is also active in the Hands Across Campus organization and Sisters in Cultural Unity.
Saint Ursula basketball coach Style Estill has this to say about Shamia: “Shamia is an individual that has the inner desire to be successful at everything she does. She wants to be the best, and she realizes in order to be the best it takes a tremendous amount of discipline and dedication. She has an amazing work ethic on and off the floor, and her energy and smile is so radiant. Shamia has led SUA basketball for 4 years and it'll be hard to replace everything she's done for this program. The coaching staff and her teammates will miss her tremendously. Best of Luck at Wheeling Jesuit University. Your future is bright and your SUA Basketball program will be cheering you on.”
Cassie Lastivka, Shamia’s club coach, adds this: “Shamia is a high character kid and when she puts her mind to something, she is going to work to achieve it. She has that drive to want to be the best. I was excited when she decided to join us at Cincy Nation for AAU during the summer of 2020. Unfortunately, when COVID hit it limited our time together. We only got to play in one tournament that summer, but she meshed well with the team and really had a standout tournament. As coaches, we’re very particular about who we bring on to a team or within our program. Shamia was a no-brainer. We knew on the court she would be a difference-maker but also knew the high-quality of a person she is that her fitting in with our team wasn’t going to be a problem. My only wish is that I got more of an opportunity to coach her because for me, being able to coach a kid who has “it” challenges you to be a better teacher of the game. I wish Shamia nothing but the best at Wheeling Jesuit University and look forward to following her collegiate career!