Four Student-Athletes Commit to Play College Sports

Over the past few years, Sewickley Academy has celebrated its student-athletes who have committed to playing a sport in college during a signing ceremony. In lieu of in-person festivities, each of their coaches shared a brief statement about the athletes, and the students and their families submitted photos to commemorate the occasion.

J.F. Aber – Golf

“J.F. has been a four-year starter on the varsity golf team, learning as a freshman from a group of talented seniors. His passion for the game of golf is reflected in his desire to help every player on the team get better. J.F.'s teams captured Section and WPIAL Championships all four years, and twice they captured PIAA Championships, where he was the low individual scorer. He has earned All-State honors two times, and in his senior year, he won the WPIAL Individual Championship. A talented and hardworking player, J.F. is the ultimate team player in his drive for individual and collective success.”

– Varsity Golf Coach Win Palmer

Alexis Barlock – Softball

“Alexis has been a four-year starter as a powerful and successful pitcher. Her knowledge about the game is witnessed through her craftiness in pitching. She has helped lead the softball team to the WPIAL playoffs each year, and she has been selected as an All-Section player. Alexis continued to grow as a hitter over the years, placing the ball adeptly to produce RBIs and extra base hits.”

– Varsity Softball Coaches Heather Border and Shannon Rankin

Arjan Bedi – Tennis

“Arjan has been a four-year starter for the varsity tennis team, first as a team state champion at number one doubles and then later as a dominant number one singles player who did very well at the WPIAL and PIAA Singles Championship. He was voted as a captain both his junior and senior years, reflecting the leadership, hard work, and passion he demonstrates daily.”

– Varsity Tennis Coach Whitney Snyder ’79

Dimitri Gary – Baseball

“As a coaching staff, we always saw Dimitri as an extra coach on and off the field. His knowledge, alongside his passion and dedication for the game of baseball, set him apart from many. We could always rely on him to give his very best, and when appropriate, to take teammates aside for extra work in the cage or provide tips with the game of baseball.

His leadership extends beyond the field. Dimitri embodies Sewickley Academy’s Mission and Core Values, which is demonstrated through his support of Lower School students. Each year, he gathers friends and teammates to support the Kindergarten students as they partake in making their gingerbread structures. He has also volunteered to be a special friend during the Lower School Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day for children that don’t have a guest. He continues to build relationships with Lower School students by volunteering to help coach Sewickley Academy’s baseball summer camps. He is known by many of the children, all who delight in waving to him as they pass on campus.

As a catcher, Dimitri worked with all of the pitchers and helped them be at their best on the mound. Dimitri always stepped up to play any position when asked, and this allowed us as a coaching staff to trust him in many different roles. He has served as an excellent role model for his dedication and responsibility to the team. Dimitri’s leadership and love for the game will be truly missed, and we wish him all the best.”

– Varsity Baseball Coaches Andrew Petruska, Anthony Garofalo, and Ron Kinser

Go Panthers!