AACS seniors Skylar Emert, Hunter Steinau, Luke Eberle, and Anthony Coppola have signed to play their respective sports in college next year. All four have played multiple sports and have had very successful careers here at AACS.
Emert has signed with Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, PA to play volleyball. Emert has been a four-year varsity starter for the volleyball team and has also played three years on the varsity lacrosse team. With only seven years of experience, Emert received multiple awards and recognitions for her play. She has been named to the volleyball All-Conference team all four years, received three IAAM character coins, been named to multiple All-County teams, and also was part of the 2017 IAAM B Conference championship volleyball team.
Messiah was the obvious choice for her from the first minute she stepped on campus. Emert knew this was where she was meant to be whether volleyball was in the picture or not. The Christ-centered atmosphere and the highly competitive volleyball program was the perfect combination. She knew this would be the place for her to play volleyball, be surrounded by fellow believers, and pursue a degree in business.
AACS has been a big part of Emert's development as a Christian, student, and athlete. Consistently being challenged in her academics, she knows she will be prepared for the demands of classes at Messiah. Many mentors and peers helped her grow and be challenged. They have helped hold her accountable and have helped strengthen her relationship with God. With the support of numerous teammates and coaches and a highly competitive league schedule, Emert was pushed to be the best player she could be. Emert said, "I will never be able to put into words how grateful I am for the years I have attended AACS. Its impact will be forever evident in my life."
Head Coach Melissa Emert said, "Skylar is a fierce competitor, always maintaining good sportsmanship and integrity. Her positive and encouraging spirit have impacted everyone around her, both on and off the court. She will be missed at AACS, but our loss is Messiah's gain."
Athletic Director Josiah Wolf said, "I knew Skylar was a special talent when she was the best player on the court as an 8th grader in our MS vs JV team scrimmage. She continued to improve in her 4 years as a Varsity starter but more importantly, she grew in her own faith and was a strong Christian leader and witness at AACS. I'm excited for her as she goes on to play at Messiah!"
Steinau has signed with High Point University in High Point, NC to run cross country. Steinau has been a four-year varsity runner along with two years of varsity track and two years of tennis. Steinau has been named to multiple All-Conference and All-County teams. He finished fourth overall in the 2018 MIAA B Conference championships and 1st in the 2019 B Conference championships. Steinau also holds the school record for fastest 5K race time with a time of 16:04.
High Point University is the right size, has a beautiful campus, and has lots of opportunities for Steinau to progress as a business major. He also fit in well with the High Point cross country team. He knew High Point would give him the chance to excel both academically and athletically.
AACS has challenged him to be a more independent thinker as well as provide numerous ways to excel and improve as a student. The cross country coaches have provided the encouragement for and belief in Steinau and his potential to be a college runner. A strong work ethic involving goal setting and perseverance has been ingrained in Steinau's mind from his coaches and teachers at AACS.
Head Coach Matt Swanson said, "No AACS Cross Country athlete has worked harder than Hunter Steinau in the years that I have been a part of the program. He sets a high standard for team captains that will come after him in leading by example and commitment to Cross Country. He has been a pleasure to coach from day one. We pray that he has an incredibly successful college running career, that He grows in love for God and for his neighborhood, and that he is able to share his love for running and his love for Jesus with those around him for the rest of his life."
Athletic Director Josiah Wolf said, "Hunter is a fine young man and has an inner drive which helped him have a great running career at AACS. He elevated his teammates by leading by example and I'm excited for him as he goes on to compete at the next level."
Eberle has committed to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA to play soccer. Luke has been a four-year varsity starter who has made an impact since day one. He received All-Conference honors all four years of high school. His skill and competitive nature has helped keep the Eagles competitive in the MIAA B Conference.
Coach Findley, the head coach of the men's soccer team at Liberty, was one of the main reasons that Eberle committed to Liberty. His integrity, faith, honor, and love for his players was just what Eberle was looking for. College soccer has been Luke's lifelong dream. Liberty gave him the opportunity to pursue this dream.
The value in soccer is found in more than just goals and assists. This is a big lesson that Eberle has learned during his time at AACS. The relationships and powerful moments along the way are long lasting lessons to learn from soccer and sports in general. Eberle has been a person of loyalty and commitment based on the loyalty and commitment that was shown to him from his coaches.
Head Coach Vaughn Ridings said, "Luke has led the soccer program exceptionally and in such a way that has left a distinct mark on the program. We look forward to his continued success with the next stage of his soccer career at Liberty University where he no doubt will continue to represent Christ in incredible ways."
Athletic Director Josiah Wolf said, "Luke is a well-rounded young man with a tremendous amount of athleticism and skill on the soccer field. It has been a pleasure to watch him play on the field and lead on our campus. I'm excited for him as he goes on to play at the next level!"
Coppola has signed with Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA to play lacrosse. Coppola has been a four-year varsity lacrosse player along with four years of varsity soccer. He received All-Conference honors during his junior year along with being a part of the 2019 MIAA C Conference championship team.
From the first visit to Chestnut Hill, Coppola fell in love with the school. Chestnut Hill provides him the chance to play college lacrosse and also pursue a degree in information technology.
The teachers and coaches of AACS have played a large role in preparing Coppola for college. They have provided encouragement and mentoring over his high school career. A part of one of the top leagues in the country, Coppola was used to playing some of the best lacrosse players around. Playing at such a high level provided a glimpse of what college athletics would be like. He knows that his four years at AACS has provided him what he needs to excel at the next level.
Coach Steve Deterding said, "Anthony is an extremely hard worker and does all the little things right. He is a groundball machine. He makes everyone else around him better. We expect him to play a major leadership role for us this year and know that he will do great things for his team next year."
Athletic Director Josiah Wolf said, "It has been a pleasure to watch Anthony grow into a talented multi-sport athlete. His strong work ethic and competitive drive have helped raise the level of play on his teams at AACS. I'm excited for him as he goes on to play at Chestnut Hill."