5 CDS Students Celebrate Athletic Collegiate Commitments

On Thursday, November 13, five CDS athletes committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. 

From left: Avery Houseton, Brady Johnson, Hunter Kincheloe, Baker Runge, Maggie Shannon

Avery Houseton signed to play softball at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Division I program.

“A great coach once said, ‘She truly has no idea how great she is.’ Throughout her career, Avery has had many coaches who have all noticed that she was blessed with an unbelievable, God-given talent. She truly is a student of the game and a coach’s dream,” said Coach Ashley Houseton, who also has the honor of being Avery’s mom. “Not many people can say they had the pleasure of coaching their kid, but I do. And what an incredible blessing it has been to watch you go from a carefree 5-year-old to a strong, confident, determined young lady who plays this game with grit, love, and humility and has been nothing short of phenomenal.”

Avery has been a member of the CDS Softball program since middle school. She has earned All-Conference First Team honors and All-State honors in her freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons. She was named the Conference Player of the Year and earned All-Observer First Team honors following her junior season.

Brady Johnson signed to play soccer at Cedarville University, a Division II Christian college.

Head Coach Julius Klohr had this to say about Brady Johnson – “When I think about Brady and his lasting legacy, it’s easy to notice his athletic dominance, and he has been rightfully recognized for that, but I also think about the way his teammates have described him – as being relentless, being determined, being encouraging, and being an authentic leader. Brady is the type of player who serves through his actions. He never missed a Wednesday morning bible study…  always there and engaged, and he cared about growing in his faith.”

Brady has been a valuable member of the CDS soccer program, having played varsity for 4 years. Over his four seasons, Brady earned Second Team All-Conference honors after his sophomore season and First Team All-Conference honors after his junior and senior seasons. He made the All-State Team the past two seasons.

Hunter Kincheloe signed to play baseball at Hampden-Sydney College, a Division III college.

“Hunter is an awesome teammate and friend. He’s a focused and committed young man. I have been able to witness his spiritual and academic growth beginning in middle school. And I have also been able to witness his athletic growth firsthand,“ said Head Coach David Houseton. ”As a player, Hunter is scrappy, fierce, and relentless, and he takes that approach in every facet of his life.”

Hunter has been an active member of the CDS Baseball program since 7^th grade.

Baker Runge signed to play soccer at Gordon College, a Division III Christian college.  

“Baker never gives up. He’s always fighting through adversity,” said Head Coach Julius Klohr. “Baker is a tremendous, impactful player on the field, but when thinking about his legacy, it far surpasses that in the way that he served his team and Covenant Day. His teammates describe him as passionate, relentless, encouraging, and ultimately as a servant leader. If we ever needed an encouraging word, it often came from Baker.

Baker has been a part of the CDS soccer program since middle school. He earned Second Team All-Conference honors in his senior season.

Maggie Shannon signed to play volleyball at Springfield College, a Division III college.

“Due to her dedication, Maggie has never missed a match in all her years. Maggie’s a setter, which is basically the quarterback in volleyball; there is a great amount of pressure put on her to make the plays happen. Maggie remains positive and resilient amidst adversity,” said Head Volleyball Coach Heather Mills. “Maggie is a loyal person, she’s incredibly kindhearted, she’s a faithful teammate and friend, and she is very quick to celebrate other people’s accomplishments and successes, which makes this day especially fun for us. Springfield College is going to gain a quality young lady who will be a light for Jesus Christ on their campus, in their classroom, and in their gymnasium.”

Maggie has been a member of the CDS Volleyball program since 6^th grade. In just three seasons on varsity, Maggie notched 1,000 assists.

Congratulations to these five athletes as they continue their future athletic endeavors. We can’t wait to cheer you on at the next level, but remember, you will always be a Lion!

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