Congratulations to the four Poly student-athletes who signed letters of intent to play at Division 1 colleges on Signing Day 2020: Juliette Basso ’21 (softball at Bucknell University); Gregory Becil ’21 (baseball at Lehigh University); Tess Sutter ’21 (soccer at Bucknell University); and Tessa Weiss ’21 (soccer at University of Vermont).

Juliette Basso ’21, Softball (Bucknell University)

On Signing Day, former Poly Athletic Director and softball coach Mildred Piscopo talked about how committed and dedicated Juliette has been in both the classroom and on the softball field. “She was always so proud to wear the Poly uniform and always respected the game, her teammates and opponents,” Piscopo said. “I’m confident that Juliette will take all of her positive attributes to Bucknell.” Piscopo talked about Juliette’s love for the game of softball and that she should keep the game fun.

“I am really excited about my future career at Bucknell!” Juliette Basso ’21 said. “It is a perfect combination of what I always dreamed of in a school—great academics and a great Division I softball program. I will be able to thrive on the field and in the classroom. As soon as I left Bucknell’s campus, I knew it was the place for me. I fell in love with the amazing people I met and the beautiful campus.”

“First I would like to thank my two coaches through my time at Poly—Coach Mildred Piscopo and Coach Renae Beauchman. They have always pushed me to my highest potential, whether it be on the field, in the bubble, or in the weight room. They have taught me so much about the game that has helped me throughout my career. Most importantly, they have taught me how to have confidence on and off the field.

“Next, I would like to thank my teammates. Without an extremely supportive team at Poly cheering me on, I would not be where I am today. I joined Poly’s varsity team as an eighth grader. I was shy and intimidated; however, the team was so welcoming, I blended in with them right away. Throughout my three seasons, the team has always had my back, even during tough times.

“Finally, I would like to thank my parents. Without their time and dedication to my success, I would not be able to achieve what I have. They have encouraged me and supported me every step of the way. From their time traveling to tournaments with me, sitting through over five games in a weekend, and taking me to practice and training, they have truly made this dream possible. My family, teammates, and coaches have helped me toward my dream of playing softball at the next level. I would not be able to do it without them. They have given me the opportunity of a lifetime and I could not be more excited! I’ll always be a Blue Devil, but I cannot wait to be a Bison!!”

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Greg Becil ’21, Baseball (Lehigh University)

Coach Matt Roventini ’92, P’20, ’25 said, “Greg is a very talented athlete that I think will make an immediate impact on the Lehigh baseball program. His dedication to becoming a better player every day has led to a successful high school career and I think an even better college career. It has been a pleasure to coach him and I wish him the best of luck at Lehigh.”

Greg Becil ’21 said, “I’m really looking forward to being able to play against a higher level of competition when I get to college. I know it’ll be difficult to adjust, but that’s how it will be as long as I continue to play baseball. I’m also looking forward to joining a team that I will be playing with for the next four years.”

Becil had a number of people to thank. “First, I’d like to thank my parents because none of this would have been possible without them and the support they’ve given me. I also need to thank my two brothers because they’ve motivated me since I first started playing sports, and they’re both a big part of the reason that I’ve gotten to where I am. In terms of baseball, I have some coaches who have trained and coached me, and without them I wouldn’t be the baseball player that I am, so thank you to Coach Roves [Matt Roventini] (Poly Prep), Coach Pete (Team Beast) and Gabby Martinez (personal coach). And lastly, shoutout to all my friends and teammates who’ve supported me all the way.

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Tess Sutter ’21, Soccer (Bucknell University)

“Tess has been an instrumental force for our program,” said Girls’ Varsity Soccer Coach and Athletic Director Kristin Cannon. “A dynamic and versatile defender, Tess elevated those around her as an integral member of our 2019 Ivy Prep League and NYSAIS Championship team. She is a leader on and off the field, and I look forward to following her collegiate soccer career at Bucknell.”

“I am extremely excited about my future at Bucknell!” Tess Sutter ’21 said. “The second I left my visit, I knew Bucknell was the place I wanted to spend my next four years. The rigorous academics, amazing coaching staff, welcoming players, and the beautiful campus was everything I ever wanted. I instantly fell in love with the people and the student-athlete mentality.”

“There are numerous people I would like to thank. First, my parents because they have been my greatest support system throughout it all. Even when COVID put a damper on my process, they always believed in me and pushed me to keep working hard. My mom always says, “No guts, no glory,” and that will stick with me forever. I would also really like to thank Coach Kristin Cannon. No matter how busy she was, Coach Cannon always left her office doors open for me. I took recruitment calls on her couch, worked on homework assignments at her desk, cried on her floor, and chatted with her about absolutely anything in between classes and during my frees. Besides being a great coach, Coach Cannon is also an amazing mentor and I am forever grateful that I was able to play under her last year to win a championship.”

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Tessa Weiss ’21, Soccer (University of Vermont)

Girls’ Varsity Soccer Coach and Athletic Director Kristin Cannon said, “Tessa is a shifty, hard-working, technical player who can play any position. Depending on where she was needed, Tessa brought consistency to our team at midfielder, defender, and forward, helping our team to the Ivy Prep League and NYSAIS Championship in 2019. Adept at using both feet, Tessa’s upside will continue to grow as she takes her talents to Burlington at the University of Vermont competing for the Catamounts.”

The University of Vermont “provides an opportunity to play D1 soccer at a university that has the ideal balance between academic excellence and competitive sports,” said Tessa Weiss ’21, “all in a beautiful setting with an amazing coaching staff and group of players. I am truly excited for this journey to begin.”

“I would like to thank the many coaches that have helped develop and shape me into the player I am today—my club coaches and Coach Kristin Cannon. Along with my coaches, my parents have been instrumental in my recruiting process. I would like to say thank you to them because I would not have made my decision to go to UVM without them!”