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Ursuline News

Three Athletes Sign Letters of Intent
Three Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

Grace Cardenas, Alyssa D'Aloise, and Madison Wilson won't forget this week anytime soon.

The trio signed letters of intent in a crowded gym Wednesday morning. Grace will play volleyball at Washington University, Alyssa will play soccer at Texas Tech, and Madison will play volleyball at Vassar College.

Grace never thought she'd play the sport she loves in college.

"I originally thought it was going to be a short-term thing," said Cardenas, who will set in college. "I really have fun playing, and I feel like I'm a really good fit at Washington."

Madison, who also is a setter, will continue her volleyball career in college like triplet sister, Hailey, who signed with Mercyhurst in the fall. Their brother, Nicholas, plays volleyball at Jesuit.

Madison first talked to Vasser coaches at a summer camp in California her junior year. She played with her sister, Hailey, all four years at Ursuline. They've also played nine club seasons together.

"I've always played volleyball with my sister," Wilson said. "It's awesome. It's such a bonding experience. I'm definitely the loud one."

Alyssa will make her mark in the midfield at Tech.

"I've always felt like part of a family at Ursuline, and I immediately felt part of a family at Tech," D'Aloise said.

Alyssa has turned into the team's vocal leader off the field. She broke her right foot in a club game in December.

"I'm on the bench by senior year, but I'm staying super positive," D'Aloise said. "I'm still with my team, and I love supporting them."

Kelly Thompson, Ursuline's fourth-year coach who returns from maternity leave next week, said Alyssa has been the heart of the team for four years.

"The center-mid is the engine and heart of our team," Thompson said. "She's run our team all four years, and she's really turned into an extra coach on that sideline. She's so competitive."

So are Grace and Madison.

"It's fun to watch them continue that passion," Coach Jason Sears said. "Grace and Madison are both such hard workers."