Governor’s Celebrates College-bound Athletes

Seven members of The Governor’s Academy Class of 2026 celebrated their commitment to play NCAA Division I and II athletics next year before a crowd of families, coaches, teammates, classmates, and teachers in the Peter Marshall French Student Center. Representing five Governor’s athletic teams, these athletes demonstrate the strength of the Academy’s athletic program, and we are proud of their accomplishments on and off the field. 

Read more about our student athletes:

Alia Bezzari ’26 of Middleton, Massachusetts, will compete in soccer at Bentley University next year. Since arriving at Govs as a tenth grader, Alia has been the defensive anchor of the team as the three-year starting goalkeeper. She was a captain her senior year, two-time team defensive MVP, and two-time ISL honoree. She helped set the tone for the team with her confidence, communication, and fearless play in goal. Alia recorded 382 saves on 485 shots on target in her Govs career. She also plays varsity basketball and varsity softball at Govs and club soccer for NEFC.

Jeffrey Luchsinger ’26 of Durham, New Hampshire, will compete in baseball at St. Michael's College next year. Jeff has been a dedicated worker, exceptional teammate, and fierce competitor since arriving at Govs as a junior. In his junior season, he posted an impressive 18.1 innings pitched with a 1.10 ERA, a .143 opponents’ batting average, and earned All-ISL Honorable Mention honors. Jeff’s excellence has extended well beyond the spring season. Competing for GBG Northeast, he was a three-time Perfect Game WWBA New England All-Tournament Team selection. He earned a Perfect Game WWBA National Championship All-Tournament Team honor, further cementing himself as one of the area’s top left-handed arms. 

Tripp Schuhwerk ’26 of Hingham, Massachusetts, will compete in lacrosse at Brown University next year. Arriving at Govs as a junior last year, the team felt Tripp’s impact on and off the field right away. He is a true two-way midfielder who isn’t afraid of making tough plays all over the field. Tripp put up 28 goals and 1 assist, earning himself All-ISL honors as one of the top midfielders in the league. He also plays ice hockey at Govs, serving as assistant captain in his senior year, and club lacrosse for Laxachusetts. 

 Hawk Stickney ’26 of Byfield, Massachusetts, will compete in baseball at the U.S. Naval Academy next year. A four-year varsity baseball team member and senior captain, Hawk has excelled athletically and academically at Govs. He was awarded the prestigious Whitmore Award, given to the sophomore whose actions best represent the core values of The Governor’s Academy. In his junior season, Hawk proved to be a vital team member. His poise and dominance on the mound were instrumental in the team’s top-three finish in the ISL. 

John St Phard ’26 of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, will compete in soccer at the University of Central Arkansas next year. John has been a standout attacking player on the soccer pitch for the past two years. Earning All-ISL Second Team recognition in his junior and senior years, he led the team in scoring both seasons. He also earned a spot in the NEPSAC Small School Senior All-Star game and scored twice to lead the East team to victory.  

Ford Sullivan ’26 of Newburyport, Massachusetts, will compete in lacrosse at Boston University next year. Ford is a top-tier multi-sport athlete whose skill, athleticism, and competitiveness set him apart from the rest. In his junior year, Ford was often the initiator on offense and ended the season with 10 goals and 9 assists, earning him an All-ISL Honorable Mention honors. Elected captain in his senior year, Ford will thrive in this leadership role. He also plays ice hockey at Govs, serving as captain in his senior year, and club lacrosse for 3d New England.

Molly Vana ’26 of Boxford, Massachusetts, will compete in lacrosse and soccer at Harvard University next year. Molly, a four-year starter and senior captain, is a standout in the midfield for the lacrosse team, consistently elevating her team with her competitiveness and leadership. On the soccer pitch, Molly, a four-year starter and senior captain, is a dynamic and relentless offensive force. Her speed, 1v1 technical skills, and her ability to shoot from distance make her incredibly difficult to contain. Molly finishes her Govs career with 64 goals—the most on record for any Govs girls’ soccer player—so it is no surprise that she was named team offensive MVP as a sophomore, junior, and senior. She has earned numerous All-ISL and ALL-NEPSAC honors throughout her high school lacrosse and soccer careers. A multisport athlete, she also competes on the varsity indoor track and field team and will graduate as a 12-season letter winner. Molly plays club soccer for NEFC.

Members of the Class of 2026 who plan to play NCAA Division III athletics will be recognized in a celebration later in this school year.