7 CDS Students Celebrate Athletic Collegiate Commitments

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, seven CDS athletes committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. 

From left: Maggie Dirks, Shea Stanley, Lydia Johnson, Millie Jones, Brode Dixon, Grant Gardner, and Ethan Andujar

Ethan Andujar signed to play baseball at Roanoke College, a Division III program

Head baseball coach David Houseton said, "I remember Ethan in his lower school days. He came to CDS baseball camp, and I immediately knew he would be my starting catcher one day. He has been an awesome contributor to our team. He's been a steadfast, tireless leader. He consistently shows leadership to his teammates, who look up to him and strive to be like him."

Ethan earned first-team all-conference honors in his sophomore season and helped the team reach the NCISAA Final Four.

Maggie Dirks signed to run cross country and track at Gardner-Webb University, a Division I program

"Maggie is a model of consistency and positivity that running really requires. Maggie is a faithful runner. She is disciplined in her training, taking every day, every moment to improve all three areas of her craft: speed, strength, and endurance," Coach Yasenchok said. "Maggie has never had a bad day, or at least no one here knows it. Her spirit on the team has been one of encouragement for her teammates. Don't be fooled, though; Maggie is very competitive. She has set a tremendous legacy for the girls in our program."

Maggie's hard work and dedication to her running shows. Following her senior cross country season, she earned first-team All-Conference and first-team All-State honors. She finishes her cross country season as the third-fastest CDS female runner. For track, she currently holds the second-fastest mile time.

Brode Dixon signed to play baseball at Asbury University, a Division III Christian college

Brode has been a member of the baseball team since his sophomore season. In his junior season, he earned second-team all-conference honors. He was also a member of the 2023 NCISAA Final Four team.

"He works extremely hard at his craft. His opportunity to go to Asbury is much deserved," remarked head Coach David Houseton. "He comes alive on the baseball field. His infectious smile is contagious. Your quiet leadership quiet intensity will be missed."

Grant Gardner signed to play baseball at Davidson College, a Division I program

Grant joined CDS his junior year and made an immediate impact on the baseball team. Last season, he made the all-conference first team.

Head Coach David Houseton said, "Grant is very passionate about the game of baseball and passionate about digging deeper to learn how to play the game at a high level. He has been an amazing addition to our baseball program these past 3 years. His leadership is second to none. We will miss your tenacious spirit on the baseball field, hard work, and fun-loving personality."

Lydia Johnson signed to play soccer at Taylor University, an NAIA Christian college

Lydia came to CDS her freshman year and has been a starter on the varsity girls' soccer team every season. She made the All-Conference Second Team during her sophomore and junior seasons.

Head Coach Katie Johnson said, "It's an incredible privilege to be Lydia's mom and coach. Lydia, thanks for graciously letting me coach you for so many years, all the way back to the early rec days."

Millie Jones signed to play soccer at Taylor University, an NAIA Christian college

Millie has been a part of the soccer program since 7th grade and a varsity starter since her freshman season.

Head Coach Katie Johnson noted, "A few of the first things that stood out to me about Millie were her athleticism, never-ending energy, and fiercely competitive spirit. Millie loves to compete. She loves to win, and she hates to lose. These qualities have helped her become a strong, reliable defender on the field and a great soccer player overall. She is incredibly athletic, fearless, tenacious, determined, and hardworking."

Shea Stanley signed to play soccer at Wofford College, a Division I program

Shea has been a starter on the girls' soccer team since arriving at CDS her sophomore year. Following her junior season, she earned second-team all-conference honors.

"Shea is a poised and confident player with a high work rate and a strong sense of determination. She is determined, tenacious, and fearless, which makes her a trustworthy and dependable defender," said Head Coach Katie Johnson." Shea is a player you can count on to show up and work hard at every workout session and game. Shea is a respected leader on and off the field and a teammate fully dedicated to the team."

Congratulations to these seven 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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