After years of dedication to their respective sports, seniors are celebrating the next step in their athletic careers after publicly committing to college teams during Signing Day on Wednesday afternoon outside the Tower Building.

This event highlighted the accomplishments of many senior athletes and honored those who are advancing to the next level of their respective sports in college. Friends and family gathered for photos after each athlete was recognized with sport and college commitment.

According to athletic director and event organizer Jennifer Crane, the setting of the Tower Building contributed to the appeal of the event.

“I think that the backdrop of the Tower Building looked beautiful,” Crane said. “Unfortunately, last year the Tower Building was under construction, so we didn’t really have an option; [now] we have this beautiful new facility with a terrace.”

According to Crane, the location made the event more accessible the Paly community and led to a larger turnout.

“There was community support in way of parents and families, siblings, and more people from the school community attended, because it’s an easier location,” Crane said. “I saw guidance counselors out here, the library is right there, so they were able to jump right out and watch students that they have worked with for four years be sent off.”

According to Henry Harding, a starting pitcher who is committed to College of the Holy Cross, being a pitcher helped him learn to bounce back from setbacks.

“I’ve learned how to battle through adversity and how to persevere when things don’t go your way,” Harding said. “As a starting pitcher, I would get down on myself early in games when something didn’t go my way. Throughout my Paly career, I’ve been able to fight through tough moments and tough breaks.”

Roan Haney, a swimmer committed to Amherst College, said swimming has built his character and prepared him with the strength to overcome challenges in his way.

“It [swimming] has taught me the value of hard work and how that can lead to better things down the road,” Haney said. “Also, I know this is a little cliche, but it has taught me things like resilience and determination.”

Haney said he hopes to help Amherst at their competitions.

“Hopefully I’ll make an impact for Amherst at NESCAC [New England Small College Athletic Conference], which is our league,” Haney said. “Eventually at NCAA [National Collegiate Athletic Association] at the D3 level, I hope to score some points and help out my team there too.”

See below for a full list of all committed athletes: