GFS College Signing Day 2026: 10 Athletes Commit

On a day filled with pride, gratitude, and celebration, Germantown Friends School honored 10 exceptional student-athletes at College Signing Day inside the historic Germantown Friends Free Library. Friends, families, coaches, teammates, and teachers packed the space, creating a scene that was equal parts emotional and electric. The vibe in the room was buzzing with warmth, admiration, and love for our student-athletes. General library etiquette was joyfully set aside; each name, sport, and college announcement was met with a roar that echoed through the 180-year-old walls.

At GFS, athletics is about far more than competition. It is about commitment to growth, to community, and to something bigger than oneself. These 10 student-athletes embody that philosophy in every sense. Some have balanced the demands of three-sport seasons, others have earned All-League honors, and at least one has reached the pinnacle as a national champion. Each has navigated the challenges of academics, athletics, and leadership with a level of maturity that speaks volumes about who they are and who they are becoming.

Nationally, only 2-4% of high school athletes go on to compete at the collegiate level. At GFS, these 10 individuals represent 13% of the graduating class; an extraordinary reflection of dedication, resilience, and excellence that comes with being a leader and difference maker in the GFS Athletics program.

A particularly meaningful moment in the ceremony came as Director of Athletics Katie Bergstrom Mark presented each athlete with three pins. Each pin symbolized a core GFS value: expand your comfort zone, be a steward of sport, and compete with integrity. 

These themes, alongside the foundational principles of hard work and teamwork, have shaped this group throughout their journeys. The pins served not just as a gift, but as a reminder of the responsibility and opportunity that lies ahead as they carry these values into their collegiate careers and beyond.

As the ceremony came to a close, one thing was abundantly clear, this group has left an indelible mark on Germantown Friends School. They have elevated their teams, inspired their peers, and strengthened the fabric of the GFS community.

College Commitments:

•  Lailah Banks – Track & Field – Arcadia University
• Emmie Day – Lacrosse – University of Oregon
• Paris DeBose – Track & Field – Arcadia University
• Sarah Goldberg – Lacrosse – Amherst College
• Marabel Poulos-Hopkins – Field Hockey – Swarthmore College
• Maggie Ruger – Squash – Columbia University
• Nola Schaenen – Crew – Williams College
• Naomi Shaffer – Lacrosse – Pomona College
• Ned Spaniel – Soccer – Swarthmore College
• Julian Tropea – Swimming – Lehigh University

To our graduating athletes: You will always have a home here. While you are away chasing your dreams, know that the GFS community will be watching with eagerness and a sense of unbridled pride and love for each and every one of you. 

Once a Tiger Always a Tiger.

Check out the College Signing Day 2026 full photo album.