Four Orchard Park High School seniors committed to play their sports at the college level next year.  The students were able to celebrate during a ceremony and photo opportunity at the Orchard Park High School on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

Lily Buckley will be playing lacrosse at D’Youville University next year.  She began playing lacrosse 8 years ago.   She enjoys the speed of the game, the friendships she has made and participating in tournaments.  Lily believes she has been successful in lacrosse because of her leadership, her athletic knowledge and her hard work. She chose to continue playing in college because she loves the sport and she feels it is a great way to stay in shape.  She opted to attend D’Youville because of the location and the academic program they offer.  Lily plans to study pharmacy.

Michael Buffamonti will be playing lacrosse at Alfred University next year.  Michael began playing 7 years ago in a community lacrosse program.  He loves the fast pace and physicality of the sport along with the camaraderie with his teammates.  Michael attributes his success to his dedication, hard work and his focus on constantly improving.  He chose to continue playing during college because of his love for the game and he hopes it will continue to help him develop important life skills.  Michael felt Alfred was the place for him because they offer an outstanding accounting department, a great atmosphere, and an amazing coach.  Michael will be studying Accounting and Finance to obtain his CPA with plans to become a senior level executive or business owner.

Elizabeth Scott will be playing lacrosse at Utica University next year.  She began playing 8 years ago after her dad encouraged her to play.  She loves the team aspect of the sport and the friendships she has made.  She attributes her success in lacrosse to her teammates.  She chose to continue playing in college because she loves lacrosse and didn’t want to stop after high school.  She chose to attend Utica because of their coaching staff and their nursing program.  Elizabeth plans to become a nurse after college.

Ella Stewart will be playing softball at SUNY Oneonta next year.  Her older siblings taught her to play softball when she was just five-years-old.  Ella loves the competition with softball and the friends she has made playing.  She feels she is successful in softball because she is a team player and a great leader.   She chose to continue playing in college when she found SUNY Oneonta; in her opinion, the perfect college for her.  She connected with both the coach and the team at SUNY Oneonta. Ella will study Early Childhood Education and plans to become a teacher in the future.