64 Panther Athletic Representatives Among Ranks of HPU Graduating Class

Sixty Four Panther Athletic Representatives Among Ranks of HPU Graduating Class


A group of 64 High Point University student-athletes, former student-athletes, athletic trainers and team managers were among the over 600 HPU graduates recognized during the University's recently completed commencement ceremony.

The student-athlete contingency was comprised of participants from all of HPU's sponsored sports and included both undergraduate and graduate degree recipients. Panther student-athletes who earned their degree in August 2007, December 2007 or May 2008 were also recognized at the event.

HPU Women’s Soccer was represented by nine graduates – one master’s recipient and eight undergraduates. Incredibly, all eight undergrads received a minimum of Cum Laude honors, indicating that they are at the top of their respective majors. “We are extremely proud of all our seniors and their leadership both academically and athletically”, said Panther head coach Michelle Rayner. “As you can see all of our senior class received some type of honors along with graduating which demonstrates the importance the athletes place on their academics and that they look to be the absolute best they can be. Our goal is to find and develop the best student-athletes, and this senior class exemplifies that.”

Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas served as the commencement speaker for the ceremony which was held on the front lawn of Roberts Hall on the HPU campus. Grammy Award Winner Lee Greenwood performed his hit "God Bless the USA" as Challenger, a bald eagle, flew over all in attendance.

The following is a list of HPU's women’s soccer student-athlete graduates for this year...

Master's Degree:
Jennifer Evans - MBA

Bachelor of Arts:
Megan Fielden - Elementary Education (Cum Laude)
Rebekah Lesh - History (Cum Laude)
Hannah Nail - Human Relations (Magna Cum Laude)

Bachelor of Science:
Amy Anzovino - Exercise Science (Cum Laude)
Danielle Hitchner - Biology (Cum Laude)
Leslie Long - Exercise Science (Magna Cum Laude)
Karolina Straby - Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude)
Alex Torriero - Sport Management and Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude)