The gym at Mount Carmel on the morning of April 24, 2025, was full of smiles, handshakes, proud families, and friends. Thirty seniors signed to play college sports, turning their dreams into reality.

This event showed how hard these students have worked and how proud the school is of their great achievements.

Twenty-eight athletes from eleven sports–football, hockey, soccer, bowling, lacrosse, rugby, track and field, golf, swimming, basketball, and baseball–signed to play at their respective colleges of choice. It was a big moment for not only the students but their families, coaches, and the entire MC community as well.

“We want to show kids how important they are,” athletic director and basketball coach Phil Segroves said. “This is a day to recognize their hard work and thank them and their families for all they’ve done.”

Signing Day used to mean sending a fax with an official letter of intent. Now, most things happen online, but MC still holds a special ceremony so families can see their students sign a paper and take photos. It is a proud tradition.

“It’s more about the picture and the meaning,” Mr. Segroves explained. “It might just be a blank paper, but it means something big to the kids and their parents.”

Thirty student athletes signed to play sports at schools of all kinds, big and small. One of those students is Andrew Flood, who is going to Aurora University to play hockey.

“It felt great to finally have made a decision,” Flood said. “I’m excited to continue my education and my athletic career.”

For Flood, staying close to home was a key factor in choosing his college. “Aurora is close and I can come home on weekends to see friends and family,” he said. But picking the right school was not easy. “The hardest part was figuring out everything financially and making sure it was the perfect fit.”

Zach Tengelsen also signed to play hockey, but he will be heading to Butler University. “I went to visit, and it had a really good atmosphere,” Tengelsen said. “Everyone there was really nice and they had really good hockey.”.

Tengelsen shared that picking the right college for him was the hardest part of the process. “It’s hard to find the perfect school for yourself, but I am very grateful that I found mine,” he said.

Zander Gorman will play Division I lacrosse at Bellarmine University. He said the moment felt special. 

“It feels really exciting and accomplishing all the hard work I put in over the past few years,” said Gorman, who also was a defensive star on the state-champion football team, “and it felt amazing to be congratulated by not only the lacrosse and football program but all of the staff members who have supported me along the way as well.”

He said that his main goal when coming to MC was to play a Division I sport, whether it was lacrosse or football.

All three athletes said they had people who helped them a lot. For Flood, it was his mom. “She was constantly encouraging me to make sure it was the right decision,” he said. 

Tengelsen said a former Mount Carmel graduate helped him most. “A guy who graduated a few years ago showed me around Butler and helped me see if it was a good fit.”

Gorman dedicated all of his success to his family and the coaching staff at MC. “Without them I would not be where I am today. They were there for me the whole way and supported me no matter what.”

Coach Segroves explained how he helps, too. “I don’t do all the recruiting, but I call college coaches when students send me their info,” he said. “I try to be honest so they know we’re trustworthy.”

He also gave advice to younger athletes. “Stay on top of your grades. That’s the first thing colleges ask about. Be realistic about where you can play. And find a school with your major.”

Flood had advice for underclassmen, too. “Don’t push the application process off. Apply early and work hard. It’ll all come to you.”

Tengelsen added, “Keep working hard and don’t complain about anything. It goes by really quick and you’re gonna miss it when it’s done.”

Gorman’s advice was short and simple. “Work hard and be patient. Good things take time.”

Each athlete is excited for what’s next. Flood is looking forward to a change of scenery. Tengelsen is excited to keep playing his sport and have fun. And Gorman is just happy to keep playing at a higher level.

“It’s a great day for Mount Carmel,” Coach Segroves said. “And it’s only going to get better from here.”