With Pace Academy’s Class of 2023 time at High School coming to an end, students will attend Universities all over the world. The Class of 2023 will see 14 student-athletes attend athletic programs. Here is the list of student-athletes and what schools they will be attending as well as what sports they will play:
Trovon Baugh, University of South Carolina, (Football), Frank Caldwell III, Austin Peay State University, (Football), Briea Craft, University of Memphis, (Volleyball), Ian Dempsey, Muhlenberg College, (Lacrosse), Kendall Evans, United States Naval Academy, (Football), Carter Freudenstein, University of North Carolina, (Swimming), Madison Hadley, Pitzer College, (Softball), Victoria Hadley, Pitzer College, (Softball), Lucas Klopp, University of New Haven, (Baseball), Anna Nuckols, Denison University, (Lacrosse), Davis Rice, Lehigh University, (Football), Owen Ross, Washington University in St. Louis, (Soccer), Kylen Shields, Birmingham-Southern College, (Football), Andrew Swann, Washington and Lee University, (Football), Ben Leach, Bates College, (Basketball).
Andrew Swann will be attending Washington and Lee University. Swann, who played on the Pace Academy Football team, will be continuing his athletic career on the Trident’s special teams next fall. Swann wore number 3 for Pace Academy and will play punter at the collegiate level despite his impressive play as a punter and kicker in High School. Swann has said, “I can’t wait to start his college football journey and he is ecstatic to enroll in classes in the fall”.
Star Baseball player Lucas Klopp is committed to the New Haven Chargers in Connecticut. Klopp is an amazing pitcher for the Pace Varsity Baseball team. Klopp, who wears number 12 and has played travel Baseball for 11 years told Knightly News, “I cannot wait to continue my academic and athletic career at New Haven.”
Pace Academy Football Star Trovon Baugh, is set to attend The University of South Carolina next year. Baugh has excelled on and off the field and is one of many student-athletes from the class of 2023 to commit to a Division I athletic program. Baugh’s impressive High School Football career led to his selection in the Under Armour Next All-America Game on Jan. 3, 2023. Baugh, who plays offensive line and wears number 72, is excited to continue his athletic and academic studies at the University of South Carolina.
Pace’s star swimmer Carter Freudenstein is committed to the Swim and Dive team at the University of North Carolina. Carter is a dedicated swimmer who also participated on the Pace water polo team. Carter, Barett Hight, Lane Canova and Reed Richardson won the 200 free relay. Individually Carter won the 200 IM and the 100 fly.
Pace Volleyball state champion Briea Craft will attend the University of Memphis starting in the fall of 2023. Craft, who has won multiple Georgia High School Association state championships with the Knights, is looking to carry this success with the Tigers at the NCAA Division I level. In 2022, Craft received the honor of being first-team All-Area. Additionally, she was named an AVCA High School Senior All-American.
Pace Softball players Madison and Victoria Hadley are both committed to Pitzer College. The sisters are both extremely talented softball players who play on Pace’s varsity team. They were leaders of the softball team and will continue to be great at Pitzer.
Pace Lacrosse player Ian Dempsey is set to attend Muhlenberg College. Dempsey will be competing at the NCAA Division III level. The defender (D pole) will continue his athletic and academic career at the Pennsylvanian school.
Pace Lacrosse player Anna Nuckols is committed to play at Denison College in Ohio. Anna is a key member of the currently undefeated girls varsity Lacrosse team this year. Anna will be a vital member of the Denison Lacrosse team and is a great member of the Pace community.
Pace Football Outside Linebacker and Tight End Frank Caldwell III announced his commitment to Austin Peay State University in 2022. Caldwell III also played Basketball and Track and Field during his time at Pace Academy. Caldwell III was on the all-region team in 2022 and 2023
Pace Academy Varsity Goalkeeper Owen Ross announced his commitment to Washington University of St. Louis on Oct. 30, 2023. Ross, who won back-to-back Georgia High School Association state championships, is looking to continue this history of winning at Washington University of St. Louis.
Pace Academy Varsity Football player Kylen Shields is committed to Birmingham Southern College. Shields was a lineman for the Football team and is a key component of the varsity team. While talking about Kylen Shields, Cooper Williams said, “he was always a great leader and would never let the team get down on themselves.”
Pace Football and Basketball star Kendall Evans committed to the United States Naval Academy to play Football. Evans, who is listed as a wide receiver and Tight End on the Football field, also played as Knight’s shooting guard and small forward. In 2022, Evans was honored as a member of the first-team offense across the region in Football.
Pace Academy Varsity Football player Davis Rice is committed to Lehigh University. Davis played safety for the Football team and was known by his teammates for always being super energetic. While talking about Davis’ presence on the football team, Connor Phelan said, “Davis always kept the team in high spirits and he was a great guy to share the field with.”
Pace Academy Varsity Basketball player Ben Leach is committed to Bates College in Maine. Ben has been an important part of the Varsity team. Ben was a member of the 2021 and 2023 state championship-winning varsity teams. Ben is an awesome student-athlete and will be a great member of the Bates College community.