Harpeth Hall has history-making nine athletes sign Division I letters of intent

From career-best times to game-winning scores, athletics is often a story of numbers. 

On Tuesday, at Harpeth Hall’s 2024 National Signing Day celebration, those numbers took on new meaning, representing the dedication and drive of the athletes behind each milestone.

The most significant number: Nine.

Nine exceptional Harpeth Hall students signed national letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at Division I colleges and universities. Never before have so many Harpeth Hall athletes put their names on the line during the signing period, making this a record-setting year.

Further putting this achievement into perspective are notable statistics from the NCAA:

• In basketball, only 1.4% of high school female athletes go on to play at the Division I level.
• In soccer, the number is slightly higher at 2.7%.
• For lacrosse, it’s 4.3%.
• In cross country, it’s 2.8%.
• And in rowing, it’s 7.2%.

“These numbers remind us just how elite this group of athletes is,” Director of Athletics Kylene Lee told a gym filled with fans and supporters on Wednesday. “Out of thousands of high school female athletes, these nine young women have risen to the top. They have earned their place through countless early mornings, late nights, and weekends spent training, competing, and striving to improve.”

Beyond the numerical measure of achievement, at Harpeth Hall, each stat represents a story of resilience, teamwork, and the legacy of student leadership on the courts, fields, and tracks. “This isn’t always an easy dream to fulfill,” Harpeth Hall lacrosse coach Megan Clark said. 

These girls have achieved their dreams.

“To our nine signees: Today, you join an exceptional group of athletes who have gone before you, paving the way for women in sports,” Coach Lee said before the athletes signed their college commitment letters. “You are not only making history for yourselves or Harpeth Hall, but you are also contributing to the larger narrative of female empowerment and excellence. … This is a monumental achievement, and we are so proud of each of you.”

Harpeth Hall’s Division I National Letter of Intent Signees

Annamaria Bacchetta - Dartmouth College, Cross Country

A talented distance runner in both cross country and track, Annamaria already showed great poise as an 8th grade student, practicing with the varsity cross country team before racing in the Middle School State Championship in Knoxville and competing in the high school level Metro Meet, where she placed 2nd behind teammate Bella Guillamondegui and 3rd at the TSSAA state meet. From there, she continued to excel, lowering her times in cross country and track events year after year. She helped lead Harpeth Hall to back-to-back team cross country titles in 2021 and 2022, with 8th and 5th place finishes, respectively, and a runner-up team finish in 2023. 

“In addition to being a great athlete, Annamaria is also a tremendous teammate,” Harpeth Hall cross country coach Jenny Jervis said. “She energetically participates in practice and excitedly encourages her fellow runners. She celebrates their successes with boundless joy and enthusiasm, and she compassionately supports them when they suffer challenges. We would regularly hear her cry out to a teammate after a strong run, praising her for her feat or offering a bear hug to someone feeling poorly.

“She also brings the fun! We could always count on her to provide an upbeat playlist and start a dance frenzy for everyone around her to join in. Annamaria wears her heart on her sleeve. She lets you know how she’s feeling, and she shines light and energy on everyone she encounters. The Big Green of Dartmouth are lucky to welcome this young woman to Hanover.”

Lily Bowen - Brown University, Cross Country

As a freshman new to Harpeth Hall, Lily brought her dynamic combination of athletic prowess and mental fortitude, becoming an immediate contributor on both the cross country and track teams. She helped Harpeth Hall win its first state championship in seven years with a strong performance after an injury in 2021. Her 7th place individual performance at the 2022 state meet earned the Honeybears a repeat team title. During the 2023 cross country season, Lily was one of the top runners, not only in Division II-AA in Tennessee, but in all divisions in the Southeast. She finished in the top eight or better in all six of our races, including an excellent showing at the state meet, placing 3rd in one of the toughest divisions in the TSSAA and contributing to Harpeth Hall’s runner-up team title.

“In addition to being a top-notch runner, Lily is also a wonderful leader and teammate,” Coach Jervis said. “She was often the first to practice, always ready to help corral her teammates for warm-up or dynamics, to encourage them during a difficult workout or to cheer them on in a race. She always did her assignment the ‘right way,’ be that dynamics, a workout, pre-hab work, strength and conditioning or nutrition. When leading a group of younger runners, she affectionately referred to them as her ‘squad’ and brightly motivated them to complete the workout or to compete at their best level. … We are excited that she is remaining a Bear, this time a Brown one, and we look forward to hearing about her adventures and successes in Providence.”

Quinn Erim - Northwestern University, Soccer

In her career as a Honeybear, Quinn amassed an impressive list of accomplishments: more than 63 goals and 18 assists, three-time DII AA All-Middle Region, 2021 and 2023 Tennessean All-Midstate, a 2023 State Player of the Year nominee, and a 2024 DII AA All-State team honoree. She was also a member of the 2021 state championship and the 2023 state runner-up teams.

“As an 8th grader on varsity and a starter in every season she played, Quinn has been one of the most impactful players in the state of Tennessee,” Coach Lucas said. “If you’ve ever watched her play, you’d know she’s a force. As a forward, Quinn has an incredible ability to turn on a defender and leave them in her dust. Her speed and skill allow her to take on multiple defenders, often creating space for a shot—and what shots she made! … She was a constant threat on the field. In large part due to her lethal attack, the Harpeth Hall Honeybears outscored our opponents more than 5:1 in the seasons when she played.

“It goes without saying that Harpeth Hall will miss our Quinn. It has been an honor to coach you and watch you play. Northwestern University is lucky to have you.”

Helen Ghertner - University of South Carolina, Soccer

As one of “the most competitive and tenacious” players Meggie Lucas has ever coached, Helen has been a vital part of the defense and midfield that has led Harpeth Hall to the state tournament year after year, including the 2021 state championship and the 2023 state runner-up titles. Helen has earned many individual accolades, as well, including multiple selections to the DII AA All-Middle Region team, all-state honors, and a 2023 nomination for Girls Soccer Player of the Year. She was also named to the DII AA All-State Team for her efforts this year.

“Beyond her exceptional skill, Helen brings an unteachable edge to the game,” Coach Lucas said. “When she steps on the field, it’s full throttle. Every play, every pass, Helen plays with relentless intensity. It’s not uncommon to see her shut down an attack with a perfectly timed slide tackle or out-jump her opponents to win a header. She’s a force wherever she plays. Coaches urge their players to “leave it all on the field,” and that’s exactly what Helen does every game.”

Clara Scott Harden- West Point, Cross Country

As a four-year member of the Harpeth Hall cross country team, Clara contributed through her dedication, discipline and thoughtfulness — building team unity and striving for excellence. Her performances contributed to the team’s 2023 Division II-AA state runner-up finish.

“Watching her compete, there is just one word that comes to mind, gritty,” Coach Jervis said. “For her, there was only one way to approach a competition – full effort and full speed. One could rarely tell how Clara was feeling during a race because her expression never changed – it was resolute.

“... She has been instrumental in our success as a team, both by building team unity and striving for excellence in her running and in her demeanor. She will be a wonderful Mule at Westpoint.”

Ava Krumwiede - Harvard University, Basketball

With her relentless defense and clutch jump shot, Ava helped lead the Harpeth Hall basketball team to back-to-back, 20-win seasons. She has twice been named for the all-state, all-region tournament, and all-region teams while earning a coveted spot in the 1,000-point club.

“Ava has shown us what it means to be a true athlete. Her dedication is clear not only in every game but in every practice, every late-night workout, and every sacrifice she has made to pursue her dreams,” Coach Amy Josephson said. 

“But as we all know, it’s not just Ava’s talent on the court that has brought her here. It’s the hours of hard work, the resilience to push through challenges, and the commitment to personal growth. Harvard University is not only gaining an outstanding athlete but also a person of great character, intelligence, and integrity.”

Gracie Lucas - Vanderbilt University, Lacrosse

Gracie made the varsity lacrosse team her freshman year, developing her talents by playing against some of the best offensive players in the state. During her sophomore and junior seasons, she was named to the All-American South team and was selected to play for Team Tennessee at the USA Lacrosse Women’s Division National tournament, where she helped lead Team Tennessee to win the championship in their division. 

In her two years of starting on Harpeth Hall’s defense, Gracie has collected 73 ground balls and caused 55 turnovers. She led the region in stats defensively, earning TGLA all-region and TGLA all-state honors as a sophomore and junior. She also helped lead the Harpeth Hall team to three-consecutive state titles.

“Her speed and footwork are some of the best I have ever seen,” Coach Maggie Clark said. “Gracie’s ability to lock down on an attacker and force turnovers are some of her greatest attributes. Her lacrosse IQ continues to grow, and she’s been crucial at leading our defensive unit. … Vanderbilt is getting the best defensive player in the state.”

Lyla Schick - College of Charleston, Soccer

A versatile, dynamic player, Lyla excels in all areas of the field - defense, midfield, and striker. She reads the game well, knowing when to drop back to defend and then, in the next moment, burst into attack. 

“Lyla is the kind of player coaches dream about,” Coach Lucas said. “She loves the game of soccer and is fiercely committed to it. I’ve rarely seen a player more dedicated, more driven to put in the extra work to improve her game. Whether it’s the off-season or after practice, Lyla is constantly pushing herself — often found running drills on her own, determined to get more touches and perfect her skills. And that dedication is unmistakable on the field. Lyla’s touch on the ball is second to none; it’s as if the ball is glued to her foot as she cuts, sprints, and maneuvers past opponents.”

Lyla’s impact goes beyond her dedication and drive; she was Harpeth Hall’s top assist-maker this year and has been recognized as a 2023 and 2024 DII AA All-Middle Region player, as well as all-state this season. “The College of Charleston is lucky to have such a talented, driven, and inspiring player,” Coach Lucas said.

Ryan Van Mol- Jacksonville University, Rowing 

From the beginning, Ryan showed her potential by earning the stroke seat position — often considered the most important in the boat. Located in the seat closest to the stern, the stroke rower is responsible for the boat’s stroke rate, rhythm, and cadence and for setting the steady and often-powerful pace for the rest of the crew. 

Always the first to arrive at practice, Ryan showed her work ethic and determination. “I remember being in the launch with Coach Kesor  ‘That girl Ryan, she wants it and she puts in the work,’ ” Harpeth Hall’s rowing coach remembered. “That is exactly what we wanted.”

With her calm and competitive nature, she led the Harpeth Hall rowing team by bringing out the best in each rower. The Bears finished 6th at the 2024 Midwest Championships in May with Ryan helping her boat make the podium in the Women’s Junior 4x. That was followed by an appearance at the SRAA National Championships Regatta. 

“I’m very excited for her future,” coach said. “I know Ryan will thrive.”