Luke Bestrom - Caledonia High School

Luke Bestrom, son of Tom and Lori Bestrom, played for Caledonia High School and for the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors soccer club. Luke played central defender for the Scots. Luke was named to the OK Gold All-Conference team as well as Honorable Mention Division I All-State. Bestrom was also a member of the Grand Rapids Crew U-17 team that won the U-17 National Championship. Luke will provide leadership and versatility to Coach Veal's lineup. The Saints coaching staff is excited to have Bestrom in the mix for next season.

Enrique "Rico" Padilla - Northview High School

Rico was a four year varsity soccer player at Northview High School. Padilla played a key role in Northview's 2010 Division II State Championship during his junior season. This past fall Rico received All Conference and All District accolades. Padilla is a member of the Grand Rapids Crew Juniors U17 MRL team that was crowned champions of the 2011 Disney Showcase in Orlando, Florida. Rico can play both defense and in the central midfield. The coaching staff is very excited for Rico to be a member the Saints program for the coming years.

Chad Gordon - Jenison High School

Chad Gordon has signed his national letter of intent to continue his soccer career at Aquinas College. Chad is a four year varsity soccer player at Jenison High School. Gordon has been a four year starter for his Grand Rapids Crew Juniors MRL team. Chad has been a member of three State Cup Champion squads and was a member of the 2011 U17 National Championship team. Gordon is a very skilled and quick defender and the Aquinas coaching staff is very excited about having Chad become a member of the program.

Mitch Pepper - Canton High School

Trevor Kay - Warren De La Salle High School

Brandon Walker - Aurora High School

Charles Hayden IV - Oakland Christian High School

Aquinas College is excited to announce that Charles Hayden IV will continue his academic and athletic career as a Saint. The 6'3'' guard will bring speed and athleticism to Coach Hammer's lineup. Charles also has great court awareness and can drive the ball to the basket. Hayden IV has led Oakland Christian to three straight district championships and a pair of conference championships. The newest Saint was named All-Conference First Team twice and has the Lancers rolling early in the 2011-12 season. Charles is the son of Candance and Charles Hayden III.

Jenn Woolard - Grand Blanc High School

Jenn Woolard has signed her letter of intent to join the Aquinas Saints softball program for the 2013 season. Woolard is a senior at Grand Blanc High School. Jenn is a first baseman and pitcher for the Bobcats and is also an offensive powerhouse. Coach Crystal Laska says, "Jenn is such a versatile player that the sky really is the limit to what she can do. She controls the game defensively and can put up huge numbers offensively too." Jenn is the daughter of Norwood and Karen Woolard and has a younger brother.

Caitlyn Hensel - Flushing High School

Caitlyn Hensel has signed her letter of intent to continue her softball career at Aquinas College. Hensel becomes the first softball signee for the Class of 2016. Hensel is a senior at Flushing High School and looks to finish a strong career there this spring. Hensel has been a three year letter winner and has taken her team to the regional finals the last two years. Hensel is a right handed pitcher who has dominated in high school and travel ball during her tenure. "We are so excited to have Cailtyn joining our program next year. She is a talented and hard-working player who will make our team better," said Saints head coach Crystal Laska. Caitlyn is the daughter of John and Amy Hensel and has an older sister Courtney.

Grant Cook - Forest Hills Northern High School

Aquinas College is excited to announce that Grant Cook has signed his letter of intent to continue his cross country and track career as a Saint. Cook, who was a member of the 2010 MHSAA Division II State Championship team, is self motivated and will bring a strong work ethic with him to Aquinas College. Grant ran a personal best this past year in cross country (16:22) at the OK Blue Championships. On the track Cook has personal records of 4:38 in the 1600 Meter and 2:03 in the 800 Meter. Grant is the son of Mike and Renee Cook and has a younger brother named Kyle.

Jacob Towne - Forest Hills Northern High School

Jacob Towne, a senior standout from Forest Hills Northern, has committed to continue his running career at Aquinas College. Towne, who led the Huskies to the 2010 MHSAA Division II State Championship, brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Saints fold. Towne earned All-State accolades during the 2010 season as he placed 11th in a time of 15:50. Jacob's personal records include - 15:46 - cross country, 4:29 - 1600 Meter, and 9:40 in the 3200 Meter. Jacob is the son of Rus and Debbie Towne and has two sisters (Jeszi and Justyne).

Jeff Cherry - Hesperia High School

Men's Cross Country Coach Mike Wojciakowski is happy to announce the signing of Jeff Cherry out of Hesperia High School. Jeff excelled for the Panthers in both cross country and track over the last four years. Cherry earned All-State accolades in cross country with a 12th place finish his junior year and a fourth place finish this past fall. Jeff's personal best and school record (16:06) was achieved at the Footlocker Regionals in Kenosha, Wisconsin this past November. On the track Cherry owns personal bests of 9:57 - 3200 Meter and 4:42 in the 1600 Meter. Jeff is the son of Jim and Lauri Cherry and has an older brother named Mike.

Crysta Paganelli - Northview High School

Aquinas College is proud to announce that Crysta Paganelli, from Northview High School, will continue her running career as a Saint. The two time All-State performer in cross country will help bolster the Saints middle distance crew and add much needed depth to the core of cross country team. Paganelli has a personal best of 18:46 on the cross course and has career bests of 5:24 (1600) and 2:27 (800) on the track. Coach Wojciakowski states, "Crysta has the ability to jump right in and be an asset to our program." Crysta is the daughter of Carl and Cathy Paganelli and has an older sister named Carley.

Reid Daniels - Spring Lake High School

Spring Lake native and hockey goaltender Matthew “Reid” Daniels has signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Daniels, an All Star Selection at the Total Scouting Junior A. Free Agent Camp in Brownstown, Michigan is currently tending goal for the Pittsburg Junior Penguins of the North American “3” Hockey League (NA3HL). He has opted to forgo his remaining junior eligibility and return to West Michigan in April, after his current season is complete, and graduate from Spring Lake High School prior to enrolling at Aquinas.

Andy Struble - Okemos High School

Coach Hendrick is pleased to announce his first signing for next year's class. Andy Struble (Okemos High School) compiled a 28-5 record at #1 singles in his senior year. Andy also reached the semi-finals of the Division 2 State Championship Tournament at the top singles flight. Over the course of his USTA playing career Struble achieved a top 100 Midwest ranking (18s) and was also a 3-Star recruit. In addition to Struble's on-court achievements he achieved Eagle Rank in Scouting and was an accomplished student in the classroom. Coach Hendrick is excited to welcome Andy to the team and looks forward to helping him improve over the next four years.

Will Comai - Battle Creek Pennfield High School

The first member of the Saints’ incoming class is Will Comai from Pennfied High School. Will is an athletic and tough player who has the ability to play both attack and midfield. Comai was named 2nd team all-conference last season as a midfielder, and received team honors as well. During his junior season, Comai scored 15 goals and added 15 assists. Will is undecided on his major but looking into sports management. He is excited to join the Saints and will be able to contribute right away. “I’m excited to be a part of the team. I’ve really clicked with the guys and it will be a lot of fun to play together,” says Comai.