Three local athletes signed letters of intent on this week, officially declaring their intentions to continue playing sports at the collegiate level.
Devin Kellogg, current shortstop for the Northampton Blue Devils, signed to play baseball at the University of Hartford a Division I school.
Andy Grygorcewicz, from Northampton, officially signed to play Division II baseball at Saint Anselm.
Grygorcewicz is a three-sport athlete with the Blue Devils; playing football, basketball and baseball.
Baseball has the most room for future development, leading to his decision to stay on the diamond in college.
“After I fill out a little I will have a lot potential to get better,” Grygorcewicz said. “There is so much room for me to grow in baseball.”
After Northampton’s Thanksgiving day football game against Easthampton, Gryorcewicz will prepare for basketball before his final baseball season with the Blue Devils.
Over the summer, Grygorcewicz will weight train with the Advanced Performance Academy, while playing American Legion baseball with Northampton Post 28 is also an option.
Grygorcewicz visited the campus twice and knew it was for him.
“The first time I was blown away,” Grygorcewicz said. “Everything is walking distance. It’s exactly what I was looking for.”
Isabelle Duseau, of Smith Academy, signed her letter of intent to play field hockey at Merrimack College. Merrimack is transitioning to a Division I program.
“The have a new coach and she is looking to bring the program up,” Duseau said. “I want to be a part of that.”
Coming from a small town, Duseau did not have interest in a big school, so the quaint atmosphere of Merrimack was perfect for her.
“I knew as soon as I stepped on the campus.” Duseau said. “I want to ease into the world and be closer to home.”
Isabelle’s sister, Danielle Duseau, just finished her collegiate field hockey career at Princeton.
“One of the strongest lesson I learned from her (Danielle) is always be humble,” Duseau said.
The Falcons just finished a tough season, finishing 4-12-2 and missing the postseason. Duseau, a varsity starting midfielder since eighth grade, used the season to work on leadership abilities.
“We didn’t have a great season, but every practice I would push myself and my teammates,” Duseau said. “I wanted to step up as a leader to be ready to do it at a higher level.”
Duseau plays field hockey year-round, outside of winter, with Northeast Elite. She had her choices down to Merrimack and Stonehill before going with the Warriors.
