Final Score: 16 seniors, 9 sports, 1 historic year of Harpeth Hall athletics

Invited to join the dugout during the final week of the season — a cherished tradition for 8th grade softball players at Harpeth Hall — Taylor Hurst found herself pitching in the closing moments of a high-stakes game against the Honeybears fiercest rival, Ensworth.

Scared? No. Intimidated? No.

“From that moment on, Taylor showed us exactly who she was — determined, committed, and confident,” varsity softball coach Sara Van Egtern said. “These traits defined her as a 14-year-old, 8th grader and have only deepened through her senior year. Taylor didn’t need grand speeches or bold proclamations — her actions spoke volumes. She exemplified excellence through her punctuality, preparation, and her support for her teammates.”

On April 30, Taylor had the opportunity to show exactly who she is as she put a pen to paper and committed to continuing her athletic career at Tufts University. She was joined by six of her classmates, who also participated in Harpeth Hall’s spring signing day ceremony and committed to compete at the next level in collegiate athletics.

“To our seven seniors — we are so proud of you. Your hard work, resilience, and relentless commitment to both your sport and your

academics have brought you to this moment,” Harpeth Hall Director of Athletics Kylene Lee said during the signing celebration in the gym. “You’ve spent countless early mornings in the weight room with Coach Romero, late nights battling our rivals on the field, long road trips as far as Florida and Michigan, and numerous failed attempts on your journey to mastering your craft. All of which have prepared you for this next step.”

In all, 16 students from the Class of 2025 will compete in nine different sports at the college and university level next year — a record for Harpeth Hall. In a class of 100 students, that number includes 10 Division I signees, five Division III commits, and one NAIA athlete.

For context, less than 3% of female high school athletes nationwide go on to compete at the NCAA Division I level — and for some sports even fewer. That makes the fact that 10% of this senior class will compete in DI pretty remarkable.

SPRING SIGNEES

Madi Chandler - SCAD (NAIA) - Lacrosse

Madi picked up lacrosse her sophomore year, bringing with her a sharp defensive instinct honed on the basketball court. She quickly elevated her game by joining the TNLAX club, traveling to tournaments over the summer, and deepening her love for the sport.

A fierce competitor, Madi set her sights on playing at the collegiate level and began exploring opportunities. “Along with playing sports, Madi has a beautiful gift with art. On our road trips, she would spend time doodling in her notebook,” Harpeth Hall varsity lacrosse coach Megan Clark said. “We had no doubt that she would be looking to pursue her love of lacrosse and art — and there is no better place for her than attending Savannah College of Art and Design.”

 

Emery Hess - Smith College (DIII) - Rowing

Emery Hess’ rowing journey began in Amsterdam when she was 9 years old. She advanced from a single boat tied to a dock to a fast fleet of vessels as part of the Harpeth Hall and Nashville Rowing teams.

Emery makes an impression, not with loud words but with quiet strength. This season, she faced many tough challenges — from battling through back pain to pushing through tough practices. Every time, she pushed on for the sake of the team. “You have been a constant force this season,” varsity rowing coach Ashley Hallock said. “... Your character, attitude, and leadership will take you far.”

 

Taylor Hurst - Tufts University (DIII) - Softball

On the field, Taylor Hurst’s stats speak for themselves — over four years she maintained a batting average of .456, 63 career hits, including six home runs, and 50 RBIs. She consistently earned all middle region recognition, and her role at shortstop? Unquestioned. Each season, teammates new and returning know that position belonged to Taylor. 

“Taylor made that spot hers, year after year, with her skill and determination,” Coach Van Egtern said. “As Taylor graduates and embarks on her college softball journey, she leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate with us.”

 

Lucy Mitchell - Centre College (DIII) - Tennis

Sophomore year, Lucy Mitchell made the difficult decision to not to play tennis for Harpeth Hall, instead focusing on Mock Trial and her academic studies. But she didn’t step away from the game completely, though. As she trained on her own, her play continued to improve based on her dedication and determination. That resolve helped her get noticed, and next year she will compete for Centre College — which is where her older sister, Carlie Mitchell ’22 plays.

“Lucy, you are a smart, confident, and brave young woman. I admire your dedication to the things you are passionate about,” said Carlie, who surprised Lucy by giving a speech at Harpeth Hall’s spring athletic signing event. “... You are going to leave a lasting impact on Centre women’s tennis through your grit, determination, hard-working attitude, and your lighthearted spirit. I’ve always been proud to call you my sister, and now I am even more proud to call you my sister and my collegiate teammate.”

 

Reagan Nisbet - Northeastern (DI) - Volleyball

Reagan Nisbet’s senior season at Harpeth Hall was as impressive as her stat sheet — more than 100 kills, over 100 digs, and a strong presence on the court. But those numbers only tell part of the story. Reagan also brought heart, focus, and humility to her game. Whether it was club team or high school, she showed up ready to improve and stayed late, always asking for “one more” rep until she got it right.

“I’m so happy that she found the perfect home for her in a school like Northeastern that will allow her to continue to play volleyball at the next level in a city like Boston that will match her intellect, competitive spirit, and constant desire to improve,” coach Christina Saenger said. “I’m excited for her future there.”

 

Margaret Rauth - Colorado College (DIII) - Swimming

Margaret Rauth joined the Harpeth Hall swim team as a quiet but determined young athlete with little competitive experience. To get some experience in the water, she joined a pre-competition group outside of school, and by 6th grade, she was all in, showing promise as a freestyle sprinter. Her work ethic became her hallmark. She trained with her club six days a week, added strength training, and scheduled private lessons on Sundays to refine her technique. That commitment paid off as she became a versatile and powerful competitor.

“Margaret leads by example, with a work ethic that is almost unmatched,” Harpeth Hall coach Polly Linden said. “She has proven to me time and again, both in class and in the pool, that she knows how to work hard and that she is not afraid of hard work.”

 

Emery Smith - Centre College (DIII) - Basketball
From the moment Emery Smith stepped onto the court, Harpeth Hall’s basketball coaches knew they had someone special. As a freshman, she showed no fear — hitting a game-winning shot at Pope Prep and setting the tone for the kind of player and person she would become.

Over the years, Emery grew into a leader on the team — not always with words, but through her actions and her heart. She wasn’t just relied on to score; she embraced the toughest defensive assignments with pride and took every challenge personally. “What truly set Emery apart was her willingness to step up when it mattered most,” Harpeth Hall coach Amy Josephson said. “Whether it was making a clutch play or sacrificing her own stats for the good of the team, Emery always put our program first.”