Student reporters Brennan Lazcano and Peter Nelson at Scituate High School in Massachusetts are expressing school pride in their school’s student newspaper, pride in the high number of student-athletes who have already committed to play in college.
“Though it’s only early October,” they write, “ten impressive Scituate High School Class of 2026 student-athletes have already committed to play at the collegiate level.” They say this early commitment “requires an incredible balance of academic excellence and athletic dedication.”
That achievement is all the more remarkable given how few athletes nationally move on to the college level. According to the NCAA, only about 7 percent of high school athletes will ever play sports in college, and fewer than 2 percent are awarded any form of athletic scholarship. Even then, most scholarships are partial rather than full rides. For Division I — the highest level — fewer than 2 percent of high school athletes ultimately earn roster spots.
Against that backdrop, having ten Scituate seniors already committed before Halloween is a point of pride not only for the athletes but for the entire school community. Their commitments span a range of sports and levels, from baseball and lacrosse to field hockey, volleyball, soccer, football, and even rowing. Together, they demonstrate the breadth of Scituate’s athletic program and the dedication of its student body.
Committing early brings unique advantages. It relieves the stress of ongoing recruiting, allows athletes to focus more fully on academics and team play, and builds strong relationships with college coaches before stepping onto campus. Colleges benefit too, securing talent early and shaping their future rosters with confidence. Still, it is not the norm. Many athletes don’t commit until late in their senior year or even after. For Scituate to see ten students take this step by early October is unusual and noteworthy.
The stories behind the commitments show just how much persistence and teamwork matter. Baseball standout Michael Kostek, for example, kept working even when Division I coaches were initially quiet, eventually seizing his opportunity after a showcase performance. Lacrosse captain Theodore Hare has been part of Scituate Lacrosse since kindergarten, while volleyball leader Anna Bradley made her mark in just four years, already reaching 500 career kills. Each has traveled a different path, but all reflect the same balance of grit, skill, and school spirit.
The pride is not just in their individual accomplishments, but in what they represent for future Sailors. These ten athletes, already role models, pave the way for younger students to see what’s possible with dedication both on the field and in the classroom. At Scituate High School, October has brought more than fall sports. It has brought a powerful reminder of how far commitment and community can carry student-athletes.