Over the course of the 2022-2023 year, Providence Academy recognized six high school students who have committed to play sports at the collegiate level.
Aly Marshall
Denison University
On November 10, 2022, Aly Marshall, ‘23, signed to Denison University for cross country, and indoor/outdoor track. A big factor when Marshall was choosing a college was the team itself—she wanted to feel at home.
Denison is a secular university, but Marshall reflected, “Everyone was very comfortable talking about their faith life, which put me at ease.”
One of the many people that contributed to inspiring Marshall was her Providence coach, Mrs. Rachel Fogle. Fogle pushed her to keep working hard and achieve her goals. In addition to this, Coach Fogle’s son attends Denison University, which was another motivating factor in deciding to commit to the school.
Marshall gave a few reasons for why she enjoys the sport, two being the thrill that comes from running, and the workouts that go along with the sport. One of her favorite workouts is speed workouts.
She says, “Speed workouts are my favorite since they’re a great opportunity to practice and refine pacing as well as try out new running strategies for races.”
Marshall takes advantage of any opportunity to do a speed workout because she finds enjoyment in running fast.
Marshall commented, “I love my sport because I enjoy competing, and I thrive in competition. When I learned this about myself, I knew that I wanted to continue this sport competitively after high school. Competing is not the only positive aspect of my sport, however. For example, I love how running makes me feel good and relieved afterwards.”
With her first year of college approaching, and the season starting relatively soon, Marshall has started to think of some goals she wants to set for herself. One of the goals she already has in mind is to run the 3k in track.
Marshall said, “I am most excited for the increase in competition because I will be traveling more often and competing in different areas. Most of the conference is in Ohio, but every other weekend I will travel around with my team and compete.”
Marshall is very thankful to have gotten the opportunity to sign to Denison University, and is excited for the experiences that are to come.
Carly Bixby
Auburn University
This past fall, PA-Blake girls’ swim and dive team captain Carly Bixby, ‘24, committed to Auburn University where she will set out to pursue Division I swimming. The Tigers compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are currently ranked #12 in the nation. AU is in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Since she was seven Bixby has been passionate about swimming, having first discovered her love for the sport at her country club. After playing two competitive sports, swimming and soccer, Bixby decided swimming was what she was most interested in. Bixby took one of her favorite summer pastimes to the next level.
Bixby reflected, “I would be living a totally different life without swimming.”
Bixby has received so much support throughout her swimming years. Her coach, Kate Lundsten, has been her biggest supporter. Along with Lundsten, Bixby has made many memories and friends along the way.
Bixby commented, “I just had the best relationships in swimming and some of my best friends came from swimming.”
Bixby stated that her decision to go to AU was an easy one, after AU reached out to Bixby to discuss furthering her career at the next level. She loved the people, the coaches, and the atmosphere in general.
Bixby said, “This sounds kind of cliché, but it just felt right. I liked Auburn a lot and there wasn’t anything to dislike about it. Everyone and everything worked with me. I love the coaches and staff, every single one of them. Auburn also had great facilities.”
Excited for these next steps, Bixby knows that she will have to work hard. She is already setting out to accomplish many things.
Bixby said, “Some of my goals are to make the NCAA and to qualify for the Olympic Trial Cuts.”
Bixby is ready to pursue her love of swimming at the collegiate level. It hasn’t been an easy road; she, like any athlete, has had her struggles.
Bixby commented, “I’ve had my ups and downs, but I stuck with swimming because I love it.”
Bixby’s dreams don’t stop at the collegiate level. Hopefully hers will be a name we hear in the years to come, not only on the national level but on the international level as well.
Avery Lampe
Kentucky University
This past fall, Providence Academy girls’ soccer captain Avery Lampe, ‘24, committed to the University of Kentucky where she will continue both her soccer and academic career. Lampe’s decision was easily made after realizing everything UK had to offer.
Lampe commented, “I chose UK because it had absolutely everything I wanted in a school – great campus, competitive soccer, and most importantly, amazing resources for their student athletes.”
The college women’s soccer recruitment process is highly competitive. Over Lampe’s thirteen year career, she has kept her eyes fixed on her goal of one day playing college soccer. Her diligence has paid off, making her a fierce competitor. In addition to her hard work, she is very grateful to have had multiple resources and supporters along the way.
Lampe remarked, “My club, Tonka Fusion Elite, has been my home for the past 6 1/2 years. My coaches, teammates, advisors, and trainers through soccer have almost single-handedly made this possible. I have also been blessed with the constant support of my family, especially my parents and siblings, who are the other main reasons why I am the person and player I am today.”
Lampe is excited for the opportunity to attend UK and continue playing the sport she loves. The PA soccer team will miss her fantastic leadership in the upcoming seasons. However, we are excited to see her playing on a larger stage!
Grace Petzold
St. Catherine University
On November 9, 2022, Grace Petzold, ’23, signed with St. Catherine University for golf. Petzold is excited not only to further her golf career but also her academic career.
Petzold recognized her love for golf at a young age while playing with her dad. They constantly pushed each other to get better, and Petzold’s enthusiasm for golf continued when she joined the PA team in seventh grade. Determined to excel, Petzold competed in many tournaments and matches outside of PA.
Petzold commented, “Each year’s team has different players, and each team has been a really fun experience… We always bond a lot as a team, so the players end up being some of your closest friends, not just your teammates.”
Petzold has excelled in her golf career over the years. She has won MSHSL 5AA Section Tournaments both individually and with the team. Petzold has also placed multiple times in the Minnesota AA State Tournament.
Petzold determined that St. Catherine University would be the best fit for her future in golf, and she is thrilled to attend this fall.
Petzold said, “St. Catherine offers a competitive program with great coaches and teammates and a beautiful campus…. I got a chance to do an overnight stay with the team, and really liked the coaching staff and atmosphere of the team.”
These next steps for Petzold will be thrilling as she navigates college and being a student athlete. PA is sad to see Petzold depart, but she has many coaches and teammates cheering her on.
Eddie Dossantos
St. Scholastica
He can be seen leading the Lions to a victory under the Friday night lights or catching a pop fly in the outfield. Quarterback and out fielder, Eddie Dossantos, ‘23, signs to The College of St. Scholastica for football.
Although it might seem like a walk in the park to secure a spot on a collegiate level team, Dossantos shows how diligent athletes have to be. He has put in countless hours on and off the field, trying to fulfill a dream of his.
Dossantos said, “A lot of work goes into the season, but a lot more has to be done off the field. You have to have a good work ethic and mentality so that you can accomplish things and play at the next level.”
Dossantos is a dual sport athlete. During fall he can be found on the football field but when springtime rolls around he can be seen on the baseball diamond. Football has brought him more opportunities, so that is what he has chosen to pursue. Dossantos has been playing football since fourth grade and hasn’t looked back since. Throughout the many years of football there have been many supporters, but his biggest fan is his mom, Beth Dossantos.
“My mom has gone through a lot to help me succeed. She has never missed a game. She is constantly there encouraging me. Even when I don’t play well she tells me I do,” Dossantos commented.
Dossantos’s biggest career accomplishment was assisting the Lions in earning the title of 2022 Minnesota Twin Cities District Champions. The PA football team proved many people wrong as they were favored to finish second to last in their district. These prejudices didn’t hold Dossantos back from leading the Lions to a victory. As he said before, mentality plays a big role in the game. Dossantos has proven that he is mentally strong and can adhere to a challenge.
When choosing a college Dossantos was looking for an environment that would work well with him. He often talks about the atmosphere that comes with football. The moral of the football teams he has been apart of portrays a family working towards one goal, which is succeeding. These same things stuck out to Dossantos at St. Scholastica.
Dossantos said, “The coaching staff was a big reason [why I chose St. Scholastica]. The bond the players and coaches share is really cool. The coaches show that they care about you as a person, not just as a football player. It creates a really cool atmosphere.”
Although PA will be losing an athlete in the community, we are all excited to root for Dossantos as he continues to showcase his talents at the next level.
Grace Counts
University of Minnesota Duluth
On January 26, 2023, Grace Counts, ‘23, signed with the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she will be furthering both her basketball and academic career.
Counts has had a love for basketball since third grade and this contributed to Counts joining the Providence Academy Girls’ Basketball team during her freshman year. As she showcased much talent and potential at tryouts, Counts secured a spot on varsity. Throughout the years on the PA team, Counts’ great leadership skills were recognized as she was chosen for captain for both her junior and senior years.
Counts has had huge successes with the PA girls’ basketball team. The team has won the MSHSL 2AA Section Tournament for four consecutive years. Along with this big accomplishment, the PA team has also won the Minnesota State High School State Tournament two years in a row. Counts and the team achieved many titles, in addition to so many memories.
Counts acknowledged, “Providence basketball has gotten me ready to be set up for success at the next level.”
Counts chose UMD because of its outstanding reputation in girls’ basketball, and its excelling academics. As well as the idea of being close to home.
“I am super excited to be able to have this opportunity to play at a great program where I can compete for a DII national championship every year and stay in state,” Counts commented.
Counts is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play at the next level, she is beyond excited for what the future holds at UMD.
PA journalists contributors: Gabby Rampetsreiter, Annabelle Whitaker, Rein Rose Lee, Delaney Flanigan, Leightyn Ferrell, Maddyn Greenway, and Amelia Madden.