Taylor Tavernite, a senior at Del Val, committed to Iona university to play Division I lacrosse in the fall of 2024. She shared both the highlights and hardships of the commitment process, and what she looks forward to in the future.

Tavernite found the Division I commitment process hard but believed it was rewarding in the end. According to Tavernite, it was a long and stressful process. Tavernite started her journey in eighth grade, and she didn’t stop until she was finally committed and signed her letter of intent her senior year.

“People think that you’re just looking at colleges and talking to coaches for a few months, but it’s really looking at colleges from eighth grade and up and constantly trying to figure everything out,” Tavernite said. “It’s a really stressful process”.

Tavernite is both nervous and excited for her upcoming college experience.

Tavernite takes inspiration from her parents, who always pushed her to be better. They dedicated hours driving her to practices, games and far away tournaments. In addition to driving her, they spent hours helping her excel by practicing with her whenever they could and always encouraging her to do her best.

”My dad is a big inspiration; he’s always pushing me to be better, spending countless hours driving me around, and helping me look for colleges,” Tavernite said.

Iona has given her a lot to prepare for. This summer, they are making sure that she is busy. The program has given her an abundance of workouts and runs to do to stay in shape.

Though it’s not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Division I experience, she is also nervous about the academic aspect of Iona. She knows that it’s going to be a big step up of from high school, but is ready for the challenge.

As well as being prepared for the upcoming adversities, she is excited for everything that Iona has to offer.

Tavernite is thrilled for all the free merchandise she can get with her Division I privileges, in addition to the loving community she plans to build with both teammates and classmates.

“I plan to make the girls I meet at Iona my second family,” Tavernite said.

Senior Izzy Shuey has officially secured her spot as a flyer at Towson University, joining their Division I cheerleading team.

The resilience and passion she put into the sport has not gone to waste. Her journey as a Terrier may have come to an end, but her hard work has paid off. Her decision to attend Towson was not difficult to make.

“I am most excited to compete, and the girls on the team were really nice and welcoming,” Shuey said.

Shuey has always been known for her desire to perform on the mat, leadership skills and ability to push herself. She has more achievements than one can count: from being senior captain to winning numerous regional and state titles.

“[My biggest achievements were] making All American 1st team and UCA staff; that was really a big accomplishment for me,” said Shuey.

Shuey has stood out as an athlete to both high school and college coaches.

Her versatility as a flyer or tumbler, as well as her loud voice and sharp motions, tie it all together. She always gives it her all to motivate not only herself, but the team as well. Shuey’s optimistic personality lights up any mat she steps on and makes the performance unforgettable.

Izzy has cheered for 13 years and attended many camps and clinics. Cheerleading has shaped her as a person overall and she shares how it has made her more responsible. Between balancing out her academics, social life and athletics, she still prioritized bettering herself as an athlete and reaching her goals.

The Delphi sends its sincerest congratulations and well wishes for these athletes continued success in college.