The class of 2025 has 16 graduates pursuing collegiate athletics: seniors Beshoy Eldaif, James Kropp, Wilson Mount, Nyhila Silva, and Seamus Streelman will be continuing to play soccer; Seniors Haiden Evans and Dhati Lewis Jr. will be continuing to play basketball; seniors Harper Lawrence and Lauryn Strickland will be continuing to cheer; seniors Padraig Mahony, Isabelle Perry, and Emily Vergara will be continuing to play lacrosse; senior Neil Sevigny will be playing baseball; seniors Jada Stanford and Kenari Tigner will be continuing to run track; and Naoma Yancey will continuing to play volleyball.

BESHOY ELDAIF

Senior Beshoy Eldaif committed to the College of the Holy Cross to play Division 1 soccer and continue his education.

Since he was 3 years old, Eldaif has always enjoyed the sport and is looking forward to continuing his education and career in the upcoming years.

“I chose Holy Cross because it was the best blend of athletics and academics and I really loved the team culture,” Eldaif said. “I am looking forward to continuing to develop into both a more complete player as well as a person. I enjoy playing because you can go onto the field and forget about anything else and just have fun and be free.”

Eldiaf accredits a part of his journey to being at Midtown where he said he would apply the skills he learned in high school to his student-athlete experience.

“I think the most important thing I learned in high school was figuring out how to balance and plan ahead so that I don’t fall behind in school and not affect my athletics,” Eldiaf said. “Having great friends that encouraged and supported me was also a really awesome experience for me at Midtown.”

SEAMUS STREELMAN

Senior Seamus Streelman will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Clemson University for Division 1 soccer. 

Streelman has played soccer for almost 13 years, playing with the Atlanta United Academy on Atlanta United 2, the club’s reserve team competing in MLS NEXT Pro. Clemson stuck out to him for its all-around attributes.

“Clemson was the perfect mix of being close to home, a great soccer program, academics, and a fun environment outside of soccer,” Streelman said.

Streelman views college as the next big step in his journey, both on and off the field.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to improve as a player and person,” Streelman said. “Going into a new environment will allow me to learn even more as a player.”

Moving into his future, Streelman accredits a part of his journey to Midtown.

“Midtown was the perfect balance to Atlanta United,” Streelman said. “It allowed me to have off the field friendships and connections that kept me motivated and focused.”

WILSON MOUNT

Senior Wilson Mount committed to Hartwick College to continue academics and soccer career. Despite recently finding the desire to play collegiately, Mount found Hartwick to be a good fit.

“When I toured Hartwick, I really enjoyed the people and community,” Mount said. “I’m looking forward to the highly competitive environment while still getting a good education.”

Mount has been playing soccer since he was just 5 years old and is looking forward to continuing his passion.

“Building bonds with my teammates and positive attitudes with everyone in the athletic department has impacted my journey to my commitment,” Mount said.

ISABELLE PERRY

Senior Isabelle Perry has committed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy to play lacrosse for the next four years.

Perry has been playing lacrosse for 10 years and has continued to play because of her passion for the sport, more recently deciding to play collegiately. 

“I enjoy it because I am able to score goals, make assists and take the draw – it brings me joy,” Perry said. “When I first started I didn’t know you could play in college but as I entered high school I made it my goal to play in college.”

The United States Merchant Marine Academy, located in Nassau County, New York, provides a unique college experience that Perry is looking forward to.

“I chose to play at the USMMA because of the challenge,” Perry said. “I wanted a different college experience that would push me physically and give me a chance to travel the world during my sea year, typically during part of my sophomore and junior year. I am looking forward to what the future holds. I am excited to learn about all things maritime related and am happy to play the sport I love, while being supported by my family and coaches.”

Looking back at her high school career, Perry said she’ll always remember her bonds with her teammates and the lessons she learned.

“Being at Midtown has given me the ability to further develop academically and athletically,” Perry said. “I have not only grown as a learner but also as a lacrosse player. I am grateful for the community that they have fostered for me to succeed. During games like Decatur, North Atlanta, and Marist we have truly pushed ourselves and have had to rely on each other when we feel gassed or down. These moments have stuck with me because it has shown me that you can push yourself harder when others are around you to support you.”

NYHILA SILVA

Senior Nyhila Silva will be majoring in pre dental and continuing her athletic career at Jackson State University for Division 1 soccer.

Silva has been playing soccer since she was 3 years old and is looking forward to the opportunity to continue playing the sport she loves.

“I chose Jackson State over other schools because of the community I’d be surrounded by on a daily basis,” Silva said. “For me it wasn’t just the player I’d grow as on the field, but off as well.”

Playing on the varsity soccer team, Silva attributes her success to Midtown.

“Being at Midtown influenced my commitment by really showing me what relationships look like and their importance,” Silva said. “That’s not just with friends, but family, and even teachers. It showed me what I wanted my future to look like considering my future relationships I’d make going forward.”

Silva is excited to pursue new opportunities in a new environment.

“I’m most looking forward to being a bio pre dental major, and just playing collegiate level soccer,” Silva said. “Especially playing at a Division I school I’m ready to put in the work and see all I can accomplish.”

EMILY VERGARA

Senior Emily Veragra has committed to Belmont Abbey University to play lacrosse for the next four years. It wasn’t her initial plan to play in college but is looking forward to continuing her sport and education.

“Lacrosse has just been something that helps me keep moving and seeing my teammates plays a big part,” Vergara said. “I really liked their program and it was really welcoming and I’m looking forward to succeeding and getting into new chapters of my life.”

Vergara has enjoyed her time at Midtown and feels her experience has set her up for playing collegiately.

“Being in midtown really showed me how much I enjoy playing with others because of the uplifting environment,” Vergara said. “My favorite moments would be when last year it was a really hot day at practice so our coach got us water balloons and cookies.”

JAMES KROPP

Senior James Kropp committed to Denison University to play soccer and continue his education. Kropp has been playing soccer since he was 4 and recently determined he wanted to continue on a collegiate level.

“I definitely have not always planned to play college soccer,” Kropp said. “It is something that I put my mind to starting in 10th grade and refused to not have happen.”

Denison University, located in Ohio, was Kropp’s choice due to its good balance between student life and education. 

“I chose Denison over other schools for the well balanced lifestyle without compromising high quality sports and academics,” Kropp said. “I am looking forward to getting to meet everyone at the school and on the team. I am also looking forward to continuing to play soccer at a higher level.”

Kropp accredited Midtown for continuing to play soccer today.

“Being in midtown completely changed the trajectory of my commitment path,” Kropp said. “I almost quit soccer but that 10th grade season saved me and put me where I am today. My favorite memories are the bus rides to away games and playoff games especially beating mcintosh in the semi finals my sophomore year.”

LAURYN STRICKLAND

Senior Lauryn Strickland is pursuing cheerleading and continuing her education at Alabama A&M University.

“I love cheer because it was the first sport I was interested in,” Strickland said. “It’s brought a lot of memories throughout the years. I love the sisterhood and bonds I’ve built when joining new teams.”

Strickland was initially supposed to do track in college, but had a change of plans to pursue her passion.

“Originally, I was supposed to go to college for track but in the middle of my season my mom asked if I would cheer in college as a second option,” Strickland said. “Long story short I ended up sending my virtual tryout and got accepted to do an in-person tryout, then ended up making the team around the time my track season was ending. I’ve been excited to start cheering in college even since then.”

Alabama A&M was Strickland’s top choice because it was close to home; she is confident in her ability to manage school and her sport.

“So far, as managing sports and education in college I feel I’ll adjust pretty quickly,” Strickland said. “I’ve managed cheer all four years in high school, and I’ve had my ups and down with it but it’s manageable.”

Strickland has been cheering since she was four years old and continued through all of high school and is looking forward to continuing the sport.

“One biggest accomplishment I’ve experienced as a midtown cheerleader is being patient because sometimes people learn and move faster than others,” Strickland said. “But, as a good teammate, you find time to help them out. Midtown had very good sportsmanship.”

DHATI LEWIS JR.

Senior Dhati Lewis Jr. committed to Columbia International University to play basketball and continue his education. Lewis has been playing basketball since he was four years old, always hoping to play collegiately.

“Ever since I remember, I always wanted to go to the next level and play basketball for as long as I can,” Lewis said. “I chose Columbia International for many reasons. I loved their campus and location. The main reason I chose CIU was I believe I will improve the most there with Coach Stockman who played D1 basketball at Ohio State and Clemson.”

Basketball has been a lifelong passion for Lewis, shaped by family and community support making him excited for what lies ahead.

“Ever since I started playing I always enjoyed it – It was a way to bond with my dad and my 3 older sisters who all played basketball,” Lewis said. “I am looking forward to all the connections I can make in these next four years. I will make some friends for life and I’m excited about that.”

He also credits his high school experience for preparing him to reach the collegiate level.

“Midtown contributed a lot to my commitment,” Lewis said. “Coach Jefferson and Mitchell opened the gym a lot which helped me get better at basketball and gave me the confidence I needed to make it to the next level.”