Collegiate Athletes

The 2019–2020 school year has been an historic year for St. Mark’s, especially for all of the Lion student-athletes. Fall and winter sports were interrupted by the October 2019 tornado that damaged or destroyed much of School’s athletic facilities. Undeterred, the winter varsity teams rallied to win three SPC Championships. While the spring season was cut short by the COVID-19 outbreak, ten Lions from the Class of 2020 will continue their athletic careers in college next year.

“This is an incredibly talented group of student-athletes who have had a tremendous impact on St. Mark's athletics,” said Athletic Director Sean Lissemore. “I am so proud of all of their hard work, dedication, and leadership, and it has been an absolute pleasure to watch them excel in each of their respective sports. They have accomplished so much while also serving as outstanding role models for their younger teammates. I am honored to share in their excitement as we celebrate the amazing opportunities that lie ahead for these extraordinary student-athletes."

Varsity coaches also lent their praise to the athletes who will be playing collegiately next year.

"Daniel Ardila is a truly talented athlete and uniquely gifted with both a scientific and artistic mind. He is methodical and strategic, yet creative in the ways he approaches both his sport and his life. His disciplined approach will lead him to a bright future." – Coach Sana Cortas (Tennis)

"Andres Arroyo has been incredibly enjoyable to work with these last 4 years. He shares the same commitment and intensity as his brother, Pablo. Their relationship is the genesis of the successes and improvement they have shared. He will do great things at MIT!" – Coach John Turek (Track & Field, Cross Country)

"It has been an extreme pleasure to work with Pablo Arroyo these last 4 years. To coach an athlete with his intensity and commitment is the reason I love coaching. He has only touched the base of his potential and will do great things at his next stop, MIT." – Coach John Turek (Track & Field, Cross Country)

"Christian Duessel’s perseverance and discipline combined with love of sport make him the competitor to beat. He exudes a confidence and self-assuredness that come not from pride but from hard work and readiness. His mindset leaves little room for anything but success." – Coach Pitts Yandell (Crew)

"Elite leaders possess a special ‘it’ factor. They dynamically alter the culture with tenacious work ethic and unrelenting competitive spirit. No one epitomizes that better than Andrew Laczkowski, one of the all-time Lion greats. Tone-setter, teammate, TERMINATOR!" – Coach Greg Guiler (Basketball)

"David Li is one of the most successful athletes in our water polo program. He is loyal, passionate, and hard-working. For the last six years, he dedicated his time and passion to our sport and program, achieving many honors. He will represent us well and with great pride!" – Coach Oprea (Swimming & Water Polo)

"Billy Lockhart’s desire to succeed and enthusiasm in a boat was evident from his first day on the crew team. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Billy is the consummate competitor." – Coach Pitts Yandell (Crew)

"Paxton Scott is a dynamic and special playmaker whose speed, athleticism, and ability to catch anything thrown near him make him a threat to change the game at all times. He has worked hard to become excellent at his craft and I know he will add much to the Dartmouth program." – Coach Hayward Lee (Football)

"Aaron Thorne has been a steadfast force for the varsity baseball team over the past three seasons. Athletic, industrious, and versatile, Aaron made a positive impact on his teammates, especially as a captain during his senior season. We wish him all the best at Carleton!" – Coach Johnny Hunter (Baseball)

"Carr Urschel is all about passion, leadership, and love of competition. He LOVES everything about football, and his passion for the game, his work ethic, and his love for his teammates added immeasurably to our culture and success. I know it will be the same at Dartmouth." – Coach Hayward Lee (Football)