At a ceremonial signing day event attended by proud family members, students and school officials, Byram Hills High School celebrated nine student-athletes who have committed to playing their sport in college next year.
“We recognize and honor nine outstanding student-athletes taking their craft, their sport, to the next level,” Rob Castagna, the District’s director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, said at the April 29 event. “These remarkable seniors have dedicated countless hours to training, competing and achieving excellence in their respective sports.”
The students are Dario Amicucci, High Point University, track and field; Anastasia Byrnes, American University, lacrosse; Grace Corelli, University of Rochester, basketball;
Billy Gillespie, College of the Holy Cross, soccer; Jack Quinn, Hamilton College, football; Tyson Repa, Union College, basketball; Elsa Rolfs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, rowing; Mike Torre, Merrimack College, golf; and Nikolet Vataj, Sarah Lawrence College, volleyball.
Before introducing the students and highlighting their accomplishments, Byram Hills teacher and boys soccer coach Matt Allen applauded them for investing in themselves, their sport and their community.
“You represent the best of high school athletics and now you carry the torch for us, yet wear a different jersey,” he said. “Just remember, success comes from investment. So please, enjoy your ride, but remember to invest yourself. Immerse yourself in the love and passion for the sport. In essence, be Bobcats.”
A closer look at the athletes:
Dario Amicucci, High Point University, track and field, Division I: Dario is a stellar athlete who runs with great intensity and power. He holds the Byram Hills record for the 55 meter, with a time of 6.61 during the 2024 indoor season, and the 100-meter record, with a time of 10.98.
Anastasia Byrnes, American University, lacrosse, Division I: Anastasia is a two-year varsity captain, appeared on the LoHud Girls Lacrosse watchlist for four years, a four-year All-League player, three-year All-Section player and is the Byram Hills all-time leading scorer.
She is also a senior mentor and a peer tutor at Byram Hills, a Con Edison Scholar Athlete Award winner, and a Sylvia Rodgers Scholarship award winner; she finished first nationally in a Global Changemaker Project, competing against 200 other applicants.
Grace Corelli, University of Rochester, basketball: Grace was a four-year All-League player, reaching the regional championship game in ninth grade alongside her older sister, Beth. In 10th grade, she was All-Conference and league co-MVP, in 11th grade, she was All-Conference, All-Section and league MVP, and in her senior year, she was All-Conference, All-Section and a 1,000-point scorer. She also was a four-year varsity soccer player, and served as captain.
At Byram Hills, she is a high school science ambassador, a chemistry teaching assistant, a member of FAST, a peer tutor, and a religion teacher at St. Anthony’s.
Billy Gillespie, College of the Holy Cross, soccer, Division I: Billy played for Byram Hills for his senior season, giving it his all. He finished with 17 goals, made incredible plays to lead the team to a state final and was named Bobcat of the Season in the fall. A highlight came when he made a no-look pass in overtime to seal the win that advanced Byram to the state final.
Jack Quinn, Hamilton College, football: Jack has been an invaluable team member since sophomore year, starting on offense and defense. He is fast, strong and talented, with a unique, tactical approach. He was All-Section, All-League, won the Golden Dozen Award, was team MVP, and had 92 solo tackles in eight games. He also played lacrosse and is the Byram Hills all-time saves leader.
Tyson Repa, Union College, basketball: This past season, Tyson guided the Bobcats to a sectional title, with an average of 18.8 points a game, six rebounds and five assists. While he finished his high school career with 1,070 points and was a well-rounded player, he was known for getting his teammates involved. This year, he was first team All-Section, league MVP, All-State and named one of the top players in Westchester County. He is the first player in Byram Hills history to win All-State first team honors.
Elsa Rolfs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, rowing, Division I: Elsa is an outstanding lightweight rower who trained with RowAmerica Rye. She has competed in four national championships and finished in the top 250 in the World ERG Challenge.
Mike Torre, Merrimack College, golf, Division I: Mike is a phenomenal golfer and has excelled as a player, improving every year. He finished 12th in the sectional finals last year. He shot a career low 65 as well, making his score among the top in Westchester County.
Nikolet Vataj, Sarah Lawrence College, volleyball: The team’s great success this year was due in large part to Nikolet’s performance, leadership and passion. This past season, she was the Conference Player of the Year and named to the All-State first team, with 299 kills, 79 aces, 230 digs. In the playoffs, she had 19 aces and 122 kills.
